San Diego CityBeat • Dec 6, 2017 by San Diego CityBeat

2 · San Diego CityBeat · december 6, 2017

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december 6, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 3

UP FRONT | FROM THE EDITOR

Blurred lines

here are many misconceptions about the newspaper and periodical business. One I find myself discussing more than others is the line that separates publishing and editorial. For those who need a quick primer, the editorial department is composed of the people who write the content of the publication: the articles, columns, reviews, etc. The publishing side is in charge of the advertising. The two departments have, for the most part, historically been separate at most papers. The publisher does not tell the editor what to write. The editor does not tell the publisher who can advertise. The term “church and state” is often invoked in order to describe the line that separates the two departments. I’m a big believer in that line and so is the publisher of this paper. However, it’s sometimes easy for people to assume that if someone buys an ad, that editorial will write an article about them. And yes, there are publications in San Diego that do just that. I even briefly worked at one and was fired because I wouldn’t “play ball.” So why is this line important? Well, think of it this way: Our words wouldn’t mean anything if all we did was write about businesses who advertised with us. Let’s say our food critic wrote about a restaurant he knew was no good, but gave it a glowing review because they were an advertiser. His words would cease to mean anything. What’s more, it’s a disservice to the reader. I thought a lot about the line that separates the departments when, just this past week, the entire editorial staff of the LA Weekly was let go. In case readers hadn’t heard, the new owners of the iconic weekly (Semanal Media) are primarily made up of real estate investors and developers with close Republican ties. There are genuine and valid concerns that the historically progressive paper will be reshaped and rebranded into a more right-leaning, pay-to-play publication. It’s deeply saddening especially for the talented writers and editors who no longer have jobs. From what has been reported, they were not even given the chance to “play ball” with the new owners. It’s even more in-

sulting that one of the new owners said that the paper would begin to hire unpaid contributors. What’s especially sad about the LA Weekly situation is that this type of model—one where owners, investors and publishers dictate editorial policy—is increasingly becoming the norm. Make no mistake, when this happens the articles in the publication cease to mean anything. And when the contributors aren’t compensated for their work, not only are they shortchanged, but the readers are as well. Readers need to begin to ask themselves, no matter how they consume most of their information, what’s really valuable? There was a resurgence of interest and concern for newspapers and periodicals right after the presidential election. It was like people woke up to the realization that a free press would be more important than ever. They ran out and bought subscriptions to the U-T and Vanity Fair. They finally became sustaining members of orgs like KPBS and Voice of San Diego. But then there’s us. A publication that not only people never have to pay for, but unlike Voice and KPBS, we can’t solicit our readers for financial contributions. I’m not pointing that out to illicit sympathy. It’s just a reality. All of us at CityBeat live every day in the reality that we’re one acquisition, one merger or simply one decision away from being jobless. So why do we do this to ourselves? Well, put simply, we care. A lot. I’m more than aware that my job in the business of newsprint is tenuous at best. That my kids may never know the sweet smell of opening a newspaper. It may not last forever, but until then, it’s worth saying thanks to the writers (who we pay, albeit very little). Thanks to the businesses that still support us despite knowing we may never write about them. And thanks to the readers who continue to pick up our dinky little paper. Even as we strive to do more with less, rest assured that we’ll always be honest and that some lines will never be blurred.

—Seth Combs

Write to seth.combs@sdcitybeat.com

This issue is of CityBeat thinks investing in women, booze and movies makes perfect financial sense. Volume 16 • Issue 16

ART DIRECTOR Carolyn Ramos

CONTRIBUTORS Christin Bailey, David L. Coddon, Beth Demmon, Andrew Dyer, Rachel Michelle Fernandes, Tiffany Fox, Michael A. Gardiner, Glenn Heath Jr., Lizz Huerta, Jen Lothspeich, Lara McCaffrey, Scott McDonald, Kinsee Morlan, Jim Ruland, Ben Salmon, Amy Wallen, Ian Ward

ACCOUNTING Perla Castillo, David Garcia, Linda Lam, Yiyang Wang

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Torrey Bailey

PRODUCTION MANAGER Tristan Whitehouse

HUMAN RESOURCES Andrea Baker

COLUMNISTS Aaryn Belfer, Edwin Decker, Minda Honey, John R. Lamb, Alex Zaragoza

ADVERTISING MANAGER Megan Kennedy

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Comden

EDITOR Seth Combs MUSIC EDITOR Jeff Terich WEB EDITOR Ryan Bradford

MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paulina Porter-Tapia

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jason Noble ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES RIchard Diaz, Beau Odom CONTROLLER Kacie Cobian

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Interested in advertising? Call 619-281-7526 or e-mail sdcb@sdcitybeat.com. The advertising deadline is 5 p.m. every Friday for the following week’s issue. EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICE 3047 University Ave., Ste 202 San Diego, CA 92104 Ph: 619-281-7526 F: 619-281-5273 www.sdcitybeat.com

PUBLISHER Kevin Hellman

San Diego CityBeat is published and distributed every Wednesday by Southland Publishing Inc., free of charge but limited to one per reader. Reproduction of any material in this or any other issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher and the author. Contents ©2017.

4 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

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UP FRONT | LETTERS

FURTHER DIVISION

The inspiration to create art, whether it’s from painting, writing, composing or capturing a particularly beautiful image with the camera, is born out of one’s desire to fully embrace the world, in spite of its myriad of flaws and grave imperfections. Personally speaking, my own desire to create art, and be inspired enough to do so, is the end result of having seen or heard something that resonates deep within my soul. The visual and aural aesthetic which is powerful enough to move and empower others is enough reason to applaud the work of its creator. When one considers the meritorious contributions of such esteemed giants as actor Al Pacino, movie director Francis Ford Coppola, musicians Bruce Springsteen, the late David Bowie and renowned author Tom Wolfe, it is hard to dispute the fact that these men exemplify the very essence of greatness, excellence in their field of expertise. As an artist, in my own right, I have always been inspired by members of the opposite sex who have impacted my own life with their craft. It was the column penned by City Beat writer Alex Zaragoza, for the Nov. 29 issue [“Dear dudes. You’re all trash”], that propelled me to contact your publication and let you know how very wrong I felt she was in her flagrant attempt to label and demonize every single man alive on this planet with her offensive statement, “Men are trash...all men are at least diet trash.” What a harsh, destructive choice of words to spew forth, regarding a sector of the human race, whose

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members aren’t all responsible for the debacle currently plaguing our society. Yes, the downfall of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and his inappropriate behavior towards certain women in the industry has certainly touched off a firestorm for those of his ilk, who are now joining his ranks as sexual predators. It’s about time these individuals have been called out and punished for their mistreatment towards any person who has been harmed by their transgressions. Ms. Zaragoza’s scathing essay about men seems to reflect something much deeper that remains unresolved in her personal experiences, as a female. It is evident by the intensity of her venom emanating from her viewpoints. My criticism of her current feature certainly does not discredit any wrongdoing that may have or have not happened to her in life. It’s her inflammatory remarks that serve to further divide the sexes by the misappropriation of her emotionallycharged rhetoric. Because she is highly recognized for her work in CityBeat, as a brilliant, insightful writer, she is also setting a dangerous precedent by proclaiming ALL men are trash. Keep in mind there are women, too, who are responsible for not outing or simply tolerate the bad behavior of those men who have crossed the lines of common decency to harass, prey upon other women. In this global climate of the 21st-century, which is being decimated by abject racism, poverty and political strife, it is imperative that we all work together to find solutions to problems afflicting our society and beyond.

Choosing to aggregate ALL men into a singular group as sexually abusive miscreants is very unfair and will not do a damn thing to discourage future sexual predators to change their wanton behavior towards any woman.

Sandra Castillo Neighborhood withheld

WOMEN KNOW IT

UP FRONT From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . News / CityWeek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spin Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Backwards & In High Heels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 5 6 7 8

Well, That Was Awkward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Dear Alex, Thanks for having the courage to step out in front of the sexual harassment train and call it like all of us (women) know it [“Dear dudes. You’re all trash,” Nov. 29]. It’s been a long time coming and I hope that this signals a shift in the way that we handle future trashy events that will inevitably arise from still trashy men. Good on you for using this platform to stand up. Also good on CityBeat editors for backing this sentiment. We are after all, the ascendants to this messed-up political throne so it’s time to start laying new ground rules. I also really appreciated the Backward In High Heels [sic] column a few weeks ago when she made the courageous decision to speak about previous assault in her life [“The most treacherous lie,” Oct. 25]. This type of written expression is so valuable to our community and I for one feel more connected with SD the more I realize how many rad people live here. Keep up the great work! Kelly Bray South Park

FOOD & DRINK World Fare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Final Draught . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

THINGS TO DO The Short List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14

ARTS & CULTURE Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 FEATURE: Encinitas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20 Film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

MUSIC FEATURE: Jamila Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Notes from the Smoking Patio . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 If I Were U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Concerts & Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-30

LAST WORDS Advice Goddess. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 5

NEWS | OPINION By Torrey Bailey and Seth Combs

THE ISSUE: Last Wednesday, San Diego State University unveiled a $3 billion, 166 acre “SDSU Mission Valley” plan for the SDCCU Stadium site. The plan includes 1.6 million square feet of classrooms and research facilities, 4,500 housing units, a San Diego River park and a multiuse, $250 million stadium redevelopment that would be adaptable for MLS or a future expansion to house an NFL team. With exception of the stadium, which would be funded by bonds, SDSU claims the project would be privately funded. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “When SDSU has the opportunity to grow, the region is better served, both in the development of a diverse, highly educated workforce suited to meet San Diego’s growing needs, and in the opportunities provided to all San Diegans by way of inclusive economic stimulus.”

Like many, we fell in love with 13-month-old Catalina, who was accidentally shot in the leg by sheriff’s deputies after a high-speed chase in Valley Center. She had been lost since Thanksgiving and her family spotted her on the news after the chase. Godspeed in your recovery, Catalina. Godspeed.

—Sally Roush, SDSU Interim President “As we were reminded again today, the uses that SDSU envisions are virtually identical to those the SoccerCity initiative promises voters… The major difference is that SoccerCity will be built without a dime of public funds in a legally binding initiative and lease with the city, while the SDSU West plan offers no binding commitments and will leave taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars.” —Nick Stone, SoccerCity Project Manager “These are rudimentary questions about the capability of SDSU to undertake this project without incurring burdensome debt and/or having their expansion and stadium effort carried on the shoulders of student fees.” —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune

OUR TAKE: We’ll admit that the plans for what supporters are calling “SDSU West” look pretty cool. We like all those acres devoted to parks (41 acres compared to SoccerCity’s nine acres), and it’s likely the proposal will show up next to the SoccerCity initiative on the Nov. 2018 ballot. However, there are definitely some glaring omissions and oversights. What guarantees do residents have that they won’t end up footing the bill? How is SDSU planning on wooing MLS after shunning SoccerCity? What about those traffic numbers and environmental impacts? We want to like it more, but we need more concrete details (no pun intended).

NEWSY BITS 11/29

HAM OF THE WEEK

We’re no prudes here at CityBeat, but with much of the rest of the world already hating us, we couldn’t help but slap our foreheads when a local couple (Joseph and Travis Dasilva) was arrested in Thailand for posing in front of Wat Arun Temple with their butts out. It was part of their Instagram page, Traveling Butts, where they pose in front of cool places with their asses out. A normal selfie just won’t do?

All the seriousness, silliness and stupidity of the past week

11/30

12/01

12/02

12/03

12/04

BEST DAY EVER!

Illuminated #MeToo message appears over 5 Freeway overpass.

Two more women come forward accusing Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Fischer of sexual misconduct, raising the total to five women. FML

San Diego Planning Commision votes unanimously to update housing code emphasizing mixed income housing.

California Public Utilities Commission rejects SDG&E’s request to have customers pay the $379 million in costs related to the 2007 wildfires.

300 people, including members of ACLU and United We Dream, hold rally in Vista to demand DACA bill.

...San Diego police quickly run out of gift cards. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Two local attorneys disbarred after child pornography convictions. One used to work in the juvenile division of the county Public Defender’s Office.

6 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

Gun owners trade in 164 guns for WalMart gift cards at South Bay buyback event but...

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American Democracy Legal Fund files complaint letter to Office of Congressional Ethics asking for an investigation into Rep. Duncan Hunter’s close ties with the vaping industry, who have given his campaign over $70,000 total since 2015.

City Council votes 8-1 to retain Myrtle Cole as City Council President.

Chargers win and Chiefs lose again. Bolts now share first place in AFC West. Getting weak… Must… not… root… for them...

Amid mass confusion, City Council also votes for a January continuance on whether or not to allow a Sorrento Valley medical marijuana coop to also sell recreational buds.

12/05 Jim and Dianne Bashor create the Bashor Family Patriots Fund, which will allow active duty members of the military unlimited admission to both San Diego Zoo parks.

SDG&E, citing dangerous Santa Ana winds and increased fire dangers, shuts down power to over 90 homes with unclear timetable on when power will be restored.

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UP FRONT | OPINION

SPIN

CYCLE

JOHN R. LAMB

Sheriff Snowflake Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. —Edward Rickenbacker

e possesses all the advantages of incumbency: a slew of high-powered establishment endorsements, piles of campaign dough and all the media-spotlight time he desires. And yet, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore, rather than projecting confidence about his 2018 reelection chances, seems steeped in an unflattering brew of queasiness and paranoia. Granted, it’s not every day that an underling faces off with one’s boss. But his opponent in the race, Sheriff’s Commander Dave Myers, a 32-year veteran of the department, has one word for it: “childish.”

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Now a commander with no one under his command, Myers has been moved to an office he has described as a former “broom closet,” although it most recently served as the headquarters for the lieutenant in charge of the department’s cyber unit. Myers said the office measures roughly 7-feet by 8-feet and can be found down a second-floor hallway that passes through an evidence room. He said last week his old office remains vacant. In August, Myers was reassigned from overseeing the department’s Court Services Bureau to simply being told he would be working on “various special projects.” Those projects include, most recently, determining office space and furniture requirements for a new crime lab that is expected to be up and running by next summer.

In a written order from Gore, Myers must arrive for work by 8 a.m. and receive his daily assignment from an assistant sheriff. He is allowed a lunch break from noon to 12:30 p.m. but is precluded from attending any department meetings unless given prior approval. Among the 11 orders listed in an August 18 letter, Myers is also banned from “making statements on behalf of the Sheriff’s Department or releasing any Department information to anyone regarding any Sheriff’s Department matters without prior review and approval...” Although it sure seems otherwise, the letter concludes by noting, “You are NOT being terminated or disciplined at this time, nor will your pay be affected… The reassignment is not intended to be a punitive action, and it is based on the Department’s interests.” Myers said he has an attorney reviewing the order, considering he hasn’t been formally reprimanded to justify the reassignment. “I just want to go back to work,” Myers told the San Diego UnionTribune recently. “And he’s got to stop interfering with my right to run for public office.” And yet, Myers can’t help but feel that Gore is sweating the reelection challenge, something the

JOHN R. LAMB

CityBeat hater Jan Caldwell has returned to assist Sheriff Bill Gore while he battles challenger and stifled underling Dave Myers in a heated re-election bid. current sheriff has little experience with since he was appointed to the position in 2009. Gore has even brought back his trusted media advisor, Jan Caldwell, who retired last year but is now serving part-time as a “community liaison,” according to department Media Relations Director Ryan Keim. Keim, who took over the role from Caldwell, confirmed to Spin that he is leaving the post after this week to address some health issues, but denied a rumor that Caldwell would be filling his position. CityBeat readers might recall that Caldwell is no fan of the publication, having described it in 2013 during a “Grade the Media” panel as left of Lenin, presumably for the stellar coverage of county jail deaths by former CityBeat stars Kelly Davis and Dave Maass. During the 2013 panel, Caldwell questioned whether bloggers should receive credentials to cover law enforcement and proceeded to lump CityBeat into the conversation. “If you are rude, if you are demanding, if you call me a liar, I will probably not talk to you anymore,” she told the audience in explaining why it was important to treat her nicely. “You can sit with your Apple laptop and your fuzzy slippers, you can be an 800-pound disabled man that can’t get out of bed and be a journalist, because you can blog something,” she added at the time. “But if you’re just sitting at home with your laptop blogging and you just want to get under my skin or you’re CityBeat—left to Lenin, oh my God—then, yeah.” So why dust Caldwell off and bring her back? Well, when she retired a year ago after 23 years with the FBI and Sheriff’s Department, Gore told the Union-Tribune just how much he was going to miss her: “She’s been telling me when to speak up and when to shut up for almost 20 years.”

Spin asked Keim what her specific role with the department and salary is now as part-time “community liaison,” but he did not respond to several emails on the subject. He said last week he would be issuing a statement about his replacement, but as of press time he had not forwarded any additional information. Myers believes re-election pressures led Gore to bring back his loyal, long-time media muse. In a statement, Myers said Gore “is using the power of his office for political purposes, to stifle an opponent who has spoken out against him. This is absolutely corrupt and downright un-American.” Added Myers: “Sheriff Gore has literally forced the highest ranking openly gay officer on the department into an actual closet.” Gore has also suggested that it would be “problematic” for him to agree to debate his challenger, citing unspecified legal issues. “It’s like [fighting] with one arm tied behind my back of all the laws… [limiting expression of] my opinion of why he shouldn’t be sheriff,” the Times of San Diego quoted Gore as last month. Myers has asked what those laws are, but he said he’s heard nothing as of yet. “I think that’s an excuse,” he told the Times, “and he knows it’s not in his best interest to debate.” Maybe Gore believes he can keep his head down and run the table next June, swaddled in the comfort of old friends and the incumbency tag. The question is, why not use that advantage and convince county voters that he’s not hiding from anything? Why not confidently take on all challengers? Myers can only think of one reason: “He’s feeling the pressure.” Spin Cycle appears every other week. Write to johnl@sdcitybeat.com.

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 7

UP FRONT | OPINION

AARYN BELFER

BACKWARDS & IN

HIGH HEELS

Knowing when to let go

his year has been the valedictorian of mental bludgeonings. There’s the misery inflicted by 45 and the nihilistic GOP. There are the racists and rapists and pedophiles (sometimes all rolled into one) who have filled me with an unspeakable rage and a wish to never again set eyes on another man. There’s the depression that has incapacitated me for all of the spring and part of the summer, as well as a whole host of other personal hurdles and pitfalls that have left me utterly exhausted. As if all of this weren’t enough to make 2017 the worst year ever, my life officially became a country song with one veterinarian appointment. Our family dog is dying. As I type this, she’s on her bed sleeping. I don’t know if she’ll be here by the time this column comes out. My gut says no. But we are a family of four up in here, and the three of us humans are in the seesaw decision-making agony that pet owners know all too well. Knowing when to let go is so hard. Letting go is even harder. In the beginning, Ella was my dog. Though my husband came to our relationship with a twoyear-old black lab named Asha, I’d never had my own dog. Asha got bone cancer in the third year of our marriage and when the time came, a vet came to our home and put her down in her favorite corner where she could see out the window. Sam kissed her head, whispered in her ear and held her in his arms as she died. I had never seen a man love a dog the way he loved her, and it is part of why I fell in love with him. We hadn’t planned on getting another dog for a while, but a colleague of Sam’s knew we’d lost Asha and several months later gave us a puppy from a litter he’d bred. I picked Ella out before she’d even opened her eyes. Three times a week for three months, Sam and I would stop on our way home from work to visit our girl. When Ella finally came home with us, Sam and I made a decision that she would never be in our bed (lo, the shedding of a Lab). We put Ella’s kennel in the living room and I learned that first night how incessant and unsettling a puppy’s cries could be. The second night, her crying stopped when we moved the kennel to our bedroom. But after I took her outside to pee in the middle of the night, and carried her back to our bed in the palms of my hands, it was done. She slept across my neck that night and many nights after. Once she got too big, she would lie between Sam and me in her trademark position: on her back, her legs spread wide, her belly to the sky. Perfect for all the rubbing she so relished. Every day, I took Ella to work with me where she

would sleep at my feet. We’d take short walks on leash, and I’d let her off to jump and and tumble and roll in the grass just outside my office. She was a showstopper, a conversation starter, a happiness bringer. And oh, the joys of puppy breath. Six months after Ella was born, we brought home a baby human. Ella was... perplexed; it took a little time for her (and us) to grasp that this thing wasn’t going away. Exhausted and frazzled in those beginning months, I didn’t have the same attention span. I was pulled in other directions and Sam became the alpha. Still, our bond had been formed. Then Ruby began to build hers. As she learned to crawl, she and Ella became the very best of friends, their relationship the stuff of storybooks. Ella was eternally patient with baby Ruby who pulled and grabbed and pinched. When Ruby was in her high chair, Ella used to nibble food out of Ruby’s dangling hands, leaving our little one wholly confused when she’d lift a fist of Cheerios to her mouth, only to find the food had mysteriously disappeared. At the dog park when Ruby was learning to walk, she’d frequently tumble to the ground as Ella trotted by wanting to play. As Ruby got older, they would run together in the waves at dog beach, never leaving each other’s side. On lazy Sunday afternoons, they would lie together on our back patio. Ella would lay under a beach towel Ruby had placed over her, our child on her back, hands behind her head, eyes to the sky for cloud busting. Eventually Ruby would take the leash, learn the commands (heel, sit, drop it), and saunter with her dog to a local park or around the block. As an introvert who sometimes can’t express herself to me or her dad or the world around her, Ruby seeks solace in Ella, making a beeline for her dog the moment she comes home from school. Like her dad, she kisses Ella’s head, whispers in her ears and holds her tight in her arms. Long ago, Ruby became the regular bearer of food and dog treats, and as such, became the alpha. Recently, she took it upon herself to crush her best friend’s treats into a powder and to soften Ella’s already soft food, feeding it to her with a spoon. Like I did with my husband when I met him, I love watching my daughter love our dog. It’s been something. Life is something. As the clock runs down on this terrible year, we will let go and Sam and I will help our child through her first heartbreak. Together, soon, we will kiss Ella for the last time, and whisper in her ear that we love her, it’s been exceptionally awesome—and that it’s OK for her to go.

Sam kissed her head, whispered in her ear and held her in his arms as she died.”

8 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

Backwards & In High Heels appears every other week. Write to aarynb@sdcitybeat.com.

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UP FRONT | VOICES

RYAN BRADFORD

WELL THAT WAS

AWKWARD

Adventures with a small human

“

CAN’T. WAIT. TO. GET. HOME. AND. PRACTICE. [big inhale] VIOLINNN!” I look around to see if anyone else hears this shouting from my six-year-old-nephew Lucas. His parents—my brother and sister-in-law—walk blissfully down Ocean Beach. They’ve spent the last two days traveling from frosty Salt Lake City to San Diego to spend Thanksgiving week with me and my wife, and they’re happy to be out of the car and in a city that doesn’t require down jackets. Lucas’ yelling doesn’t seem to affect them in the slightest. Lucas dances ahead of us down the pier, or doing some half-dance/half-jump thing because kids never just walk. It’s like the entire world is painted with hopscotch lines that only they can see. Is he taunting me? I think. Is this some sort of taunting dance? I don’t have a lot of experience with children. I’m not a parent, and even though this decision invalidates my opinions when it comes to important issues (if I am to believe any of the self-important parenting blogs I’ve seen), I do get to take naps whenever I want. I love my nephew, as well as my role as “cool uncle.” I also cherish the option to peace out whenever he requires actual maintenance. This week, I will not have the option to disappear. It’s the first time anyone under the age of 30 has spent any extended amount of time in my home. I’m torn between wanting it to be a fun experience for him and also a little terrified of how this little guy will affect my safety bubble. By the time we get home from Ocean Beach, it’s past Lucas’ bedtime. I breathe a small sigh of relief that he will not be practicing his violin tonight. The next morning, Lucas and I build stuff with his Legos. Lucas is excited to show me one specific piece: a battery-powered motor piece that spins an axle. It doesn’t take long before I’m encouraging Lucas to look for the most dangerous piece to stick on the end of the axle, which turns out to be a toothy gear. We use this new weapon to dismember a bunch of Lego men. This proves to be the foundation for a landscape filled with more implements of torture. “What should we call it?” Lucas asks. “How about Death Island?” I say. “OK, so let’s put treasure up here, so then when people try to take it, they’ll get whapped by the whapper, and then their body will fly up and get shot by the laser, and then they’ll fall over here and get chopped up...” I look to my brother and try to gauge his reaction to the increasing, grisly violence happening on Death Island. I don’t want to be entirely responsible for fucking up my nephew, but what kind of cool uncle would I be if I didn’t corrupt him just a little?

“Lucas,” my brother says. “That’s not very nice.” “There’s nothing nice about Death Island, daddy,” Lucas says. That evening, after I get home from work, Lucas tells me about his trip to the Midway Museum, but relays his story in classic kid style: while jumping on the couch and running headfirst into the cushions. I look over to our cat Harvey, who’s watching this rambunctiousness with flat ears and a puffy tail. Harvey looks at me with absolute disbelief in his eyes. It’s a look that says: fuck you. During an insult contest, Lucas calls me “gut slime.” I take a mental note to steal that insult for future use, and then I wonder who is actually influencing whom. Is Lucas the one who’s actually corrupting me? As we drive to dinner one night, Lucas makes us all guess what he’s thinking about. He says it starts with “F” and “A” We guess “fart.” We guess “farthead.” We guess “fartface.” We spend ten minutes guessing variations on “fart.” “No,” he says, somewhat annoyed. “I was thinking about family.” And we all begin to awww when Lucas cuts us off: “Just kidding, it was ‘fat farts’”. One night we watch an Animal Planet show called Too Cute, which follows puppies and kittens and builds tiny, coming-ofage narratives around them. It’s the type of dopamine-triggering entertainment that I’d watch even without the company of a six-year-old, but my nephew becomes transfixed, and his interest in the show feeds mine. We watch episode after episode. “There should be a show called Too Gross,” Lucas says. This idea seems insanely brilliant to me. “What would be on Too Gross?” I ask. Without even hesitating, Lucas says, “It would be a German Shepherd in 1885, pooping a pile of poop the size of a football stadium.” I realize that Lucas may be brilliant. I can practically see my “cool uncle” status slip away as I submit to the power of a six-year-old. At the end of the week, I realize that it truly went by too quickly. I hug Lucas goodbye and stand on the end of the driveway, waving until my brother’s car is no longer in sight. Now, the house feels quiet and still. The cats gradually emerge from their hiding places. I find a Legopiece left behind—a wall from the torture fortress on Death Island. I guess Lucas will just have to get it when he comes back.

I love my nephew, as well as my role as ‘cool uncle.’ I also cherish the option to peace out whenever he requires actual maintenance.

@SDCITYBEAT

Well, That Was Awkward appears every other week. Write to ryanb@sdcitybeat.com

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 9

UP FRONT | FOOD

BY MICHAEL A. GARDINER

THE WORLD

FARE

A different way to roll

“

uthenticity” is a word some foodies love. It’s the magic juice that lends weight to opinion and gives prejudice the power of authority. Calling a place “inauthentic” is almost the equivalent of labeling it “worthless.” Is it just? Is it right? Those are questions raised, and maybe answered, by Lobster West (765 South Coast Highway 101) in Encinitas and its Connecticut-style lobster roll. Foodie or not, it’s easy to relate to the disappointing experience of an “inauthentic” meal. I, for one, can’t get over the idea anyone thinks Taco Bell offers “Mexican” food. But go to Oaxaca for “authentic” mole and authenticity blurs irrevocably. One guy swears his mother’s mole is authentic. The problem is that his neighbor likely disagrees. And it’s not just a feature of “ethnic” food. Many in this country think of the Maine lobster roll as the “authentic” version: a toasted New England-style splittop bun topped with cold chunks of cooked lobster meat bound by mayonnaise filling. That “classic” version wasn’t the original though. The lobster roll was invented in the 1920s at Perry’s in Milford, Connecticut. It was a sandwich featuring warm lobster served in drawn butter. Whereas the flavor of mayonnaise is prominent in the Maine version—it reads more like a lobster salad— the Connecticut version includes only the bare minimum. It’s the temperature of the lobster and the flavor of the butter that define that version. And it’s two takes on that style of lobster roll that Chad and Debbie Taggart brought to San Diego County. Nothing Lobster West does is better than its Connecticut-style roll. Lobster and butter are natural companions and a little heat brings out the inherent sweetness of the shellfish. Yes, it’s a

10 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

simple dish—just about every lobster roll is—but it’s a glorious one too. But as befitting the Taggart family’s childhood summer trips from their native New Jersey to Cape Cod, Massachusetts (halfway between Connecticut and Maine), the basic roll at Lobster West sits half way between the Maine-style and the Connecticut-style. That is, it’s served cold with butter. It’s good, very good actually. But the cold temperature of the lobster doesn’t play as well with the butter as warm lobster does. Lobster West has a number of sides and soups. The best of those sides is the coleslaw with a hint of sweetness and some of the mayonnaise that’s not on the lobster. It’s a good side, but definitely not great. The beans hardly rise to that level. The lobster bisque is so rich it tastes more like cream than lobster. The better soup selection is the New England Clam Chowder. It’s a solid version of the classic. MICHAEL GARDINER

Lobster roll and cole slaw But Lobster West isn’t about sides or soups, it’s about lobster rolls and the rolls there are certainly real and clearly “authentic.” Some might point to the “classic” Maine lobster roll and say Lobster West isn’t authentic, but that’s like the guy in Oaxaca saying his neighbor’s mom’s mole isn’t authentic because it isn’t his mom’s. The World Fare appears weekly. Write to michaelg@sdcitybeat.com.

@SDCITYBEAT

UP FRONT | DRINK

ANATOMY OF A COCKTAIL SCENE #20: What it all means at URBN

lending all the wonderfully lushness of biting into an overripe yellow peach or a perfect, in-season Rainier cherry. All of these thoughts came to mind hat is the meaning of life? while I was sitting at URBN Coal Fired It’s a question that has been Pizza & Bar (3085 University Ave.) drinkpondered throughout the ages, ing The Meaning of Life cocktail. I was and also the third funniest Monty Python aware the cocktail was going to be made film, behind Life of Brian of course. up of both Rhum (cane juice rum) and apriMy mother, like Aristotle, believed that cot liqueur, which had me ready for, well, the answer is, in fact, happiness, and told a bit of a sugar bomb (happily), but I was me at a young age to dediIAN WARD completely surprised at cate my life to the pursuit how incredibly dry it was. of it. However, she also The aromas of both the believed that witches were agricole rhum and apricot real, no joke, but we all liqueur, here harnessed have our flaws. by an absinthe rinse, lent One of my biggest vegetal and anise qualities flaws is my savage sweet and masked any sweettooth. In my early years leaning connotations. And of cocktail creating, it was while the pineapple gum my biggest obstacle. I was did lend a touch of tropical constantly battling with sweetness to the overall balance, because my own libation, the cocktail as a palate was off-kilter. It alThe meaning of life whole remained grounded ways called for things to be and balanced. It’s a tricky sweeter than anyone else could ever posthing to pull off an approachable rhum and sibly enjoy. I would spend my days studyfruit-forward cocktail that’s not “way too ing sprits and ingredients, learning new sweet.” I’ve spent my life pursuing it. I’m cooking techniques and thinking really glad to see Jess Stewart at URBN accomhard about powerful flavor combinations. I plishing it. It makes me happy. would then come to work eager and excited. The response, however, was almost always, Anatomy of a Cocktail Scene appears every “it’s way too sweet.” other week. Write to ianw@sdcitybeat.com I’ve learned to handicap myself. It wasn’t easy, but in time I learned to live with my THE MEANING OF LIFE flaw (one of many) and adjust my percepas prepared at URBN Coal Fired Pizza & Bar tion to meet that of my customer. And one thing that helped with this was to include 1 1/2 oz. Rhum JM Agricole Blanc more cordials and liqueurs in my recipes. 1 oz. lime juice Today’s array of available cordials and 1/2 oz. Giffard apricot brandy liqueurs are a whole other animal from 1/2 oz. pineapple gum syrup when I first started in the business. They 1 lime wedge contain aromas and flavors of organically Absinthe rinse. produced fruit and nuts and herbs. They smell like orchards and farms and hills; Combine all ingredients into a shaker things that grow in nature, rather than with ice. Shake and strain into an things that need to be cleaned up in aisle absinthe rinsed chilled single rocks glass five. They can be almost drying, while also without ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

@SDCITYBEAT

BY BETH DEMMON

BY IAN WARD

FINAL DRAUGHT TORRY DAVID GAUSTAD

Beer gives back

ccording to a recent report published by Cal State University San Marcos and the San Diego Brewers Guild, San Diego breweries made philanthropic contributions worth $4.5 million in 2016 alone. Although these year-round efforts continuously support a variety of charities, things really ramp up during the holiday season. In the weeks leading up to New Year’s, there are events nearly every day across San Diego for beer drinkers. Here are just a few beer-forward charitable causes to choose from. “Societe Gives Back”, Societe Brewing Company’s year-round philanthropic program, culminates with its annual Holiday Food Drive each winter. All proceeds go directly to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, and donations are accepted at the brewery (8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa) and select locations all over the county through Dec. 31. On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m., Brian Beagle of Sore Eye Suds and San Diego Beertalk Radio will host the annual Sore Eye Sudsmas at Societe to further support the month-long food drive. Activities at this free event will include a beer-centric raffle, holiday costume contest and ugly sweater competition. Patrons who donate 25 pounds of food or more will also get the chance to purchase a bottle of Societe’s barrel-aged feral ale of the week for $5. AleSmith Brewing Company is also getting in on the Food Bank fun this year by accepting donations of food and personal hygiene items at its tasting room (9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar) through Dec. 17. For every five items, donors will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win an AleSmith Gift Prize Pack. Stock up on diapers, canned soup, baby formula and other sorely needed items and snag a pint for a good cause. JMC Construction has partnered with Burning Beard Brewing (785 Vernon Way) in El Cajon to collect toys for

ChuckAlek patrons giving blood children living at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 10, so stop by for a pint and a high five. Thunderhawk Alements (8675 Miralani Drive, #100) in Miramar is also accepting toy donations for Toys for Tots throughout this holiday season. Breast Cancer Angels is an Orange County-based group that provides financial and emotional assistance to women and families of women going through breast cancer treatment. This year, all proceeds from Second Chance Beer Company’s annual holiday party/ silent auction fundraiser on Dec. 22 from 7 to 10 p.m. will go straight to the organization. (15378 Avenue of Science #222, Rancho Bernardo) Every month in 2017, the Blind Lady Ale House/Tiger!Tiger! restaurant group selected a different philanthropic organization to support for its “Agents of Change” initiative. This December, it’s San Diego Refugee Tutoring. Stop by BLAH on Mondays or Tiger! on Thursdays and a portion of the tab will go directly to the tutoring program. The giving won’t stop after New Year’s. After a successful inaugural blood drive in November, North Park’s ChuckAlek Biergarten (3139 University Ave., Suite B) will host a second event in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank in January. Check its social media for more information and dates. Write to bethd@sdcitybeat.com. Follow her on Twitter at @delightedbite.

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 11

SHORTlist

EVENTS

ART

the

THREE YOU HAVE TO SEE

COORDINATED BY

SETH COMBS

SAN DIEGO

ART OF THE HOLIDAYS

Theatres are debuting new Christmas (1827 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill) from 6 to 10 p.m. Speaking of multi-disciplinary artists, Lenore productions and holiday-themed music concerts are in full swing, so it can sometimes be difficult to Simon: Quest, which opens on Saturday at Sparks get our artistic fix without being bombarded with Gallery (530 Sixth Ave., Downtown) from 6 to 9 p.m. (RSVP is recommended at sparksgallery.com), is a the spirit of the season. Luckily there are some art shows opening on decades-long survey of Simon’s works, which range COURTESY OF THE ARTIST from monoprints and mixed meSaturday, Dec. 9 that will offer a dia, to assemblage and, most renice respite from the holiday madcently, digital illustration. ness and/or malaise. First, there’s Local org Arts Unites has been Julian Klincewicz’s I Do Too, a putting on some stellar group music-based art piece that uses shows recently and Dark Daze silk banners and an original score looks to be just as interesting. Cuin order to create what he calls a rated by Zaina Nazerally, the show “sonic hug.” The exhibition begins focuses on mental health and the Saturday at 7 p.m. at Bread & Salt importance of destigmatizing (1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights), mental illness. It happens from 6 but save the date for the Dec. 15 to 9 p.m. on the second floor art opening. See nahnah.org for more space of Gelato Vero (3753 India details. St., Mission Hills). See facebook. Jones von Jonestein (jonescom/SanDiegoArtUnites for more vonjonestein.com) is a multi-disdetails. ciplinary local artist whose work Finally, for those looking for both perplexes and amazes us. “All of Me” by Lenore Simon some cool artsy gift options, La His most recent project, The von Jonestein Heritage Foundation is a collection of Bodega Gallery (2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan) will artifacts, photographs and performances from a have some art from a galaxy far, far way at Power of fictitious family lineage that is the product of von the Dark Side, a group show featuring Star WarsJonestein’s imagination. He’ll be displaying some inspired pieces happening from 5 to 10 p.m. See of these relics at an opening at Helmuth Projects facebook.com/labodegagallerysd for details.

DOWNTOWN

ARCADE BUYER Malls suck (sorry, Ryan Bradford), and they suck most at Christmas. Sure, it’s easiest (re: lazy) to buy everything in one place, but ‘tis the season of giving, not supporting sweatshops. Online is the opposite, as we often have to scour a bunch of sites just to find the right gift. Luckily, there’s the Makers Arcade Holiday Fair. Now in its fourth year, this outdoor market hosts more than a hundred regional vendors selling gifts handmade by people who enjoy their craft. Aside from booths of indie items, there’s also live music, free make-and-take crafting, food, cocktails and more. It’s happening at the Port Pavilion at the Broadway Pier (1000 N. Harbor Drive) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. makersarcade.com

LA JOLLA

WHAT A HOOT The chaos of the holiday season can cause anyone to stress out. But a night of smooth R&B with Tina Leinenweber, along with gin cocktails, beer, food from Whisknladle and art by Mark Licari, is sure to help anyone kick back and relax. Leinenweber, a San Diego native R&B soul singer and producer, is also known for her performances under the name Ala Fringe. Between her sultry sound and Licari’s series of 26 drawings, each corresponding to a different letter of the alphabet, it’s likely one of the more sexy options this week. The (Gin)gerbread Night Owls Holiday Party takes place Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library (1008 Wall St.). Tickets are $5 for Athenaeum members and $10 for the public. Tickets and more info at ljathenaeum.org.

H27 Horses at SDAI Project Space, 141 Horton Plaza, Gaslamp. A new solo show from photographer Chris Travers, who explored the questions raised by the 2016 horse racing season at the Del Mar Racetrack, in which an alarming number of horses died. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. Free. sandiego-art.org We See You, We’re Listening at 1805 Gallery, 1805 Columbia St., Little Italy. A solo exhibition featuring new works by the gallery’s resident artist, Ry Beloin. Her pieces include portrait sculptures of San Diegans with an added element of dialogue. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. Free. 619-888-8288, 1805gallery.com Go Figure! At Thumbprint Gallery, 920 Kline St., La Jolla. An exhibit celebrating figurativism through more than 15 artists’ perspectives of the world. Opening from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. 858354-6294, thumbprintgallery.com Power of the Dark Side at La Bodega Gallery, 2196 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan. A group show in honor of the upcoming release of The Last Jedi, the latest Star Wars movie. Works by more than 50 artists will share interpretations of the franchise. Opening from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. 619-255-7036, labodegagallery.com Open Studios at Space 4 Art, 340 16th St., East Village. The Space 4 Art artists will open the doors to their studios and show their work, which range from sculpture to photography. There will also be a bar and taco truck. From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. 619-269-7230, sdspace4art.org Ray at Night Art Walk at North Park. North Park’s monthly art walk features open art galleries, food trucks and live music performances by local bands. Takes place in the heart of North Park along 30th St., University Ave., Ray St. and more. From 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. rayatnight.com HJones von Jonestein at Helmuth Projects, 1827 5th Ave., Bankers Hill. The Jonestein Heritage Foundation and Schmitzkraft Guitar Company are teaming up to exhibit newly acquired artifacts from Jonestein’s “foundation.” Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. sayingtheleastandsayingitloud.com HDark Daze at Gelato Vero Caffe, 3753 India St., Mission Hills. A purpose-driven exhibit featuring artists who are mentally ill, with the intention of destigmatizing mental illnesses and creating opportunities for similar artists. Opening rom 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. $5 suggested donation. 619-540-0310, facebook.com/ events/1657777324293519 HLenore Simon: Quest at Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. A solo exhibition by Lenore Simon, a soon-to-be 90-year-old artist who will share works from her entire career. Her collection includes monoprint, assemblage, serigraph and more. Opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. 619-696-1416, sparksgallery.com Student Exhibition at Athenaeum Art Center, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. The Athenaeum School of the Arts hosts its annual student exhibition. Opening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. 619-269-1981, ljathenaeum.org HI Do Too at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. Arts collective NAH NAH presents an installment of Julian Klincewicz’s “Hey I LIke You” series, which uses tall, silk banners to imitate the appearance of sound. Opening at 7 p.m.

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair 12 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

Tina Leinenweber

H = CityBeat picks

Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. 619-851-4083, breadandsaltsandiego.com La Jolla Village Art Walk at various locations, La Jolla. Thumbprint Gallery, Misfit Gallery, Trilogy Sanctuary and more will all be holding special events as part of this second Saturday art walk. There are also several murals throughout the area. From 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. facebook.com/LaJollaVillageArtWalk

BOOKS Holiday “Rep” Session at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Sales representatives from Penguin Random House and HarperCollins will be in the store to recommend new books for customers’ holiday needs. From 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. Free. 858-4540347, warwicks.com HAndy Weir at UCSD Price Center Theatre, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. The bestselling writer of The Martian and The Egg will be promoting his new novel, Artemis, a crime caper set on the moon. Price includes signed copy of book. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. $40. imagination. ucsd.edu Leigh Bardugo at Mysterious Galaxy Book Store, 5943 Balboa Ave., Ste. 100, Clairemont. The bestselling fantasy author will sign and discuss her new collection of illustrated stories, The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Free. 858-268-4747, mystgalaxy.com Jocko Willink at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. The former Navy SEAL and bestselling author of Extreme Ownership will discuss his new selfhelp book, Discipline Equals Freedom. Price includes signed copy of the book. At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. $26.93. 858454-0347, warwicks.com

DANCE HThe Nutcracker at Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, Downtown. City Ballet of San Diego’s annual production of the holiday classic that includes a full orchestra. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10. $25-$75. cityballet.org HThe Nutcracker at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown. California Ballet Company’s production of the holiday classic includes music conducted by John Stubbs and a cast of over 150. At 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $22-$103. californiaballet.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS HNorth Park After Dark Shop Hop at North Park. Local galleries and boutiques stay open late for this special holiday edition of the quarterly event. From 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Free. northparkafterdark.com H(Gin)gerbread Night Owls Holiday Party at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Enjoy R&B from Tina Leinenweber, along with gin cocktails, beer, food from Whisknladle and art by Mark Licari at the Athenaeum holiday party for adults. From 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Free-$10. 858-4545872, ljathenaeum.org HMingei Holiday Market at Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. The annual market features one-ofa-kind items from indie vendors. Vendors include Abrazo Style, Alyson Iwamoto, Georgina Trevino and many more. From

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 @SDCITYBEAT

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EVENTS EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Free. 619239-0003, mingei.org Water Aglow at Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon. The East County botanical garden will be lit up for the holiday. Includes music, crafts and other activities throughout the night. Happens Thursdays through Saturdays. From 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 16. $3-$5. thegarden.org

Men’s Chorus present their annual holiday show featuring traditional holiday music, as well as modern classics. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $21-$70. sdgmc.org HToast of Gaslamp at Gaslamp Quarter. A holiday walkabout through the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village with cocktail samples, bites from local restaurants and discounts at more than 20 shops. Holiday attire encouraged. From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. $25-$30. toastofgaslamp.com

HSan Diego Bay Parade of Lights at San Diego Bay, Downtown. The 46th annual event held on San Diego Bay features boats of all types and sizes decorated in Christmas themes and parading around the bay. From 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 17. Free. sdparadeoflights.org

Pacific Beach Holiday Parade at Grand Ave. and Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach. The annual holiday celebration features the San Diego Santa Run, Pacific Beach Holiday Parade and Christmas on Crystal Pier, all adding up to an entire day of festive activities. From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Free. 858-273-3303, pacificbeach.org

Holiday Cabaret at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. The North Coast Symphony Orchestra performs a holiday program that includes dances from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” music from The Polar Express and “Festive Sounds of Hanukah”. At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. $8-$25. northcoastsymphony.com

Messiah Sing-Along at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., Downtown. The San Diego Master Chorale’s annual concert features singing selections from G.F. Handel’s Messiah, including the famous “Hallelujah Chorus.” At 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. $20-$25. 619-2987261, sdmasterchorale.org

HMakers Arcade Holiday Fair at Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Dozens of local artists and crafters gather to show off handmade goods. Includes a photo booth, DIY craft booths, live music, local food trucks, craft beer and cocktail lounges. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. $5. makersarcade.com HJingle at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. The 200 singers, dancers and musicians of the San Diego Gay

HGaslamp Holiday Pet Parade at Hilton Gaslamp, 401 K St., Downtown. All pet owners and their furry, feathered and scaled companions are invited to this jolly promenade and pet expo, which starts and ends under the Gaslamp sign. From 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $15-$20. 619231-4040, gaslamp.org/pet-parade Voices of Christmas at Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town. Enjoy music, as well as readings of the works of Truman Capote, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Clarence Major, John Mortimer and

14 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

more. From 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11. $5-$20. writeoutloudsd.com Señor Grubby’s Community Christmas Party & Food Drive Fundraiser at Señor Grubby’s, 377 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad. The sixth annual charitable event will feature Santa Claus, snowfall, complimentary dessert, face painting, giveaways and more to raise money, food and awareness for local children who are food insecure. From 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. Free. facebook. com/events/505764649797231 Holiday Marketplace at Luce Court and Legacy Plaza, Liberty Station, 2641 Truxtun Road, Point Loma. Enjoy live music while shopping from Liberty Station vendors and tenants. Takes place Friday through Sunday. From 4 to 10 p.m. Through Saturday, Dec. 23. $10-$50. libertystation.com HGarden of Lights at San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. The San Diego Botanic Garden will be a winter wonderland through Dec. 30, with snow, carolers and over 100,000 sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a unique holiday experience. From 5 to 9 p.m. Through Saturday, Dec. 30. $5-$20. 760-436-3036, sdbgarden.org

Windsor Lawn features views of Coronado beach. Skating sessions will be offered daily and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Price includes skate rental. From 3:30 to 10 p.m. Through Monday, Jan. 1. $30. 800-4683533, hoteldel.com HRady Children’s Ice Rink at Arts District Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. Skate on this outdoor, seasonal ice rink with proceeds benefiting Rady Children’s Hospital’s Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Through Sunday, Jan. 7. $10-$50. libertystation.com

MUSIC Winter Daydreams at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. Guest conductor Johannes Debus leads the symphony through winter-themed selections by Tchaikovsky, Engelbert Humperdinck and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $20-$98. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

PERFORMANCE

Winter Nights at Westfield UTC at Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, University City. Enjoy music, snow, family photo ops with Santa and unexpected acts of kindness from Merry Makers. Shoppers can also enjoy a holiday classic matinee at ArcLight Cinemas. Every Saturday. From 5 to 8 p.m. Through Saturday, Dec. 16. Free. 858-546-8858, westfield.com

HDickens Unscripted at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Improv Theatre’s winter holiday show is inspired by Charles Dickens and is completely improvised by the North Coast Repertory Theatre players. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10. $20$25. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

HSkating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. Now in its 13th year, the outdoor ice rink on the

HIt’s FHcking Christmas Again! at Finest City Improv, 4250 Louisiana St., North Park. FCI’s annual, politically in-

correct holiday show features local improv masters performing a show about North Pole misfits. From 9 to 10:30 p.m. Through Saturday, Dec. 23. $15. 619306-6047, finestcityimprov.com

SPECIAL EVENTS First Thursday at the Lafayette at Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. San Diego Made’s evening of music, makers and libations. Includes local makers and live music performances. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Free. 619-296-2101, sandiegomade. org HHoliday Joy Ride at Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. The seventh annual bike ride organized by the San Diego County Bike Coalition includes a neighborhood ride and an awards ceremony at Panama 66. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Free. sdbikecoalition.org HParol Philippine Lantern Festival at Jacobs Center Celebration Hall, 404 Euclid Ave., Valencia Park. The 20th annual, inter-generational event will feature tastes of Philippine food dishes and performances from the Philippine Performing Arts Company, The Filharmonic and others. From 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. $15-$18. pasacat.org HSan Diego Tweed Ride at Ward Canyon Park, 3905 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Gather at Ward Canyon Park for a leisurely paced bicycle ride past some of San Diego’s historic structures and markers. Participants are encouraged to dress in classic tweed or any smart looking outfit. From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Free. facebook.com/ events/1564705943621842

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THEATER COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO REPERTORY THEATRE

Freedom song

here are many personal crises that are milked for pathos in San Diego Repertory’s Black Pearl Sings!, but all of them are secondary to the sheer emotive power of Minka Wiltz’s vocals. In Frank Higgins’ drama, set in Depression-era Texas (then later in Greenwich Village), Wiltz portrays Alberta “Pearl” Johnson, an African-American woman doing hard time for murder. Into her life intrudes an abrasive Library of Congress musicologist (Allison Spratt Pearce) who dangles the chance of parole if Pearl will record the endangered songs of her slavery heritage. Questions of compromise, cultural appropriation and self-determination emanate from Higgins’ overreaching and somewhat predictable script, which is inspired by musicologist John Lomax’s working relationship with folk-blues legend Lead Belly. Wiltz is a revelation as Pearl, summoning the pain of a harrowing past even when she’s not singing. Spratt Pearce does well enough with the off-putting character of Susannah Mullally, making her as sympathetic as could be possible. The unseen, but very much heard, star of this show is the music, which aches with human drama. Black Pearl Sings! runs through Dec.

strictly expository, they are generally clever and insightful in what they posit about finding love and self in a scary world. The cast, directed by Francis Gercke and Anthony Methvin, enjoys definite chemistry in very tight confines and Zohar is an expressive vocalist whose Ichabod Crane (just one of the three Irving characters referenced in this piece) is a sensitive and vulnerable protagonist. Tarrytown runs through Dec. 17 at Diversionary Theatre’s Black Box space. $20-$40; backyardrenaissance.com

—David L. Coddon

Theater reviews run weekly. Write to davidc@sdcitybeat.com.

OPENING: Minka Wiltz in Black Pearl Sings! 17 at the Lyceum Stage in Horton Plaza. $25 and up; sdrep.org ••• n the surface, Adam Wachter’s one-act musical Tarrytown seems like yet another variation on the eternal love triangle. In this case, it’s an insecure gay man (Tom Zohar) and an unhappily married couple (Kay Marian

16 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

McNellen and Bryan Banville) all residing in rural Tarrytown, N.Y. But in fact, Tarrytown is a deft take on Washington Irving’s famous The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. That narrative device and a thoughtful musical score make this world premiere presented by Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company so promising. While some of Wachter’s lyrics are

It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol: A small town tale that’s a clever mix of two holiday classics (It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol). Presented by the North County Players, it opens Dec. 7 at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. northcountyplayers.org

For full listings, visit “Theater” under Culture at sdcitybeat.com

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TORREY BAILEY

he neighborhoods along Highway 101 were often escapist destinations for Hollywood elite in the 1920s and Encinitas was no exception. The formerly rural, coast-meets-farmland region catered to starlets cruising between Los Angeles and Mexico by road or rail. Premieres at the La Paloma Theatre generated a see-and-be-seen atmosphere among filmmakers and actors, who would then retreat to the historic Leucadia Log Cabin Apartments. With Del Mar as its neighbor, Encinitas absorbed the overflow of racetrack crowds as well. Names such as Bing Crosby, Bette Davis, Liberace and many others were among the big names on Encinitas’ guest list.

Downtown Highway 101 remains abuzz today, but with grom culture overpowering glamour. Encinitas is home to one of the world’s most esteemed surfing spots, Swami’s, which attracts international wave riders. A public mosaic of a surfing Virgin de Guadalupe further drives home the ocean’s central role here. But Encinitas is also recognized for a handful of small businesses and historic architecture. There’s an extensive botanical garden and even an iconic Self-Realization Fellowship Temple. Encinitas has undergone sizeable changes since it first became a destination, but the Amtrak whistle blares on.

“Surfing Madonna” mosaic artist Mark Patterson

ENCINITAS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 @SDCITYBEAT

DECEMBER 6, 2017· SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 17

Artist of the “Surfing Madonna” mosaic/ Co-founder of Surfing Madonna Oceans Project

President and CEO of the San Diego Botanic Garden

Owner of La Paloma Theatre

At first, Mark Patterson didn’t think much of his doodles of the Virgin de Guadalupe riding a surfboard. “After a while, this image kept showing up, and it was over about three years before I paid any real attention to it,” he says. Then, Patterson decided to turn the image into a mosaic. Out of glass and marble, he crafted the surfing TORREY BAILEY Virgin de Guadalupe and a sign saying, ‘Protect the ocean.’ “It felt to me like she was saying, ‘Snap out of it people, you’ve go to pay attention to what’s going on,” Patterson says. “If the ocean dies, we’re pretty much screwed.” In 2011, without city permission, he installed the mosaic underneath the train bridge on Encinitas Boulevard and Highway 101. Because of legalities, the mosaic moved around before finding its permanent home outside Leucadia Pizza (315 S. Coast Hwy 101). The mosaic later inspired Patterson to cofound the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, which provides free surf camps for adults and children with disabilities. “Those little kids just light up like Christmas trees playing with the water,” Patterson says. He’s proud that his mosaic materialized into something more. “It’s not just art on a wall anymore.”

“I started out with my life savings and spent $10,000 on fixtures, equipment and trade name in 1992,” says Allen Largent, when asked about buying the La Paloma Theatre (471 S. Coast Highway 101) 25 years ago. He grew up attending one-room movie houses, which were the norm then. “As times progressed, more single screen theaters have gone TORREY BAILEY away and that intensifies the focus that there’s still one right here in Encinitas.” La Paloma Theatre was built in the late ‘20s and became one of the first to show “talkies” (that is, movies with spoken dialogue). It’s now known for its action sports premiers, as well as for showing indie flicks. For the most part, Largent’s “right-hand man Steve” makes movie selections. Meanwhile, Largent is an all-around handyman. “I like the gadgetry, the lights, the microphones and cables and boxes and projectors. It’s cool stuff.” He says it’s challenging to keep the La Paloma Theatre running when the business has turned digital. “I’m proud I’ve been able to keep it open. It’s so easy to turn a blind eye to the blemishes, but I’m fully aware of them. I think the charm and the beauty outweigh the blemishes, and we’re working on it.”

“The earliest public gardens were places of meditation, places where people would go to be rejuvenated in some sense,” explains Julian Duval, president and CEO of the San Diego Botanic Garden (230 Quail Gardens Drive). Duval, who previously worked at the Indianapolis Zoo, has been at the San Diego Botanic Garden for nearly 23 years. Over time, he’s seen many changes, including increased traffic on the adJAMIE BALLARD jacent Quail Gardens Drive, which was the garden’s name before becoming San Diego Botanic Garden in 2009. The self-described “nature nut” spends much of his day driving around the gardens talking to visitors, pointing out various plants and animals, and telling children that if they study hard, someday they can have his job as director. “It’s always a real treat for me to be able to share the wonder and beauty of nature with people,” he says. Among the thousands of plants, insects, reptiles and birds that call the gardens home, there is one other unique resident: an enormous Galapagos tortoise named Sam. He lives in the backyard of Duval’s onsite home, and isn’t generally on public display, although Duval says they use Sam as a therapy animal for people with special needs. “The garden is a place of healing and solace, and he’s perfect for that.”

—Torrey Bailey

18 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

—Torrey Bailey

—Jamie Ballard

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TORREY BAILEY

Through Encinitas’ urbanization, some landmarks, such as the Aldrich Castle, have been lost. However, the city is holding on to other storied sites. Here are a few oldies but goodies to check out: The 1883 Schoolhouse (390 West F St.) reigns as the oldest building in the city. Here, the Encinitas Historical Society operates out of the one-room schoolhouse, unfolding the city’s heritage through photos and exhibits. Then there’s the 1887 Derby House (649 S. Vulcan Ave.), ranking as the city’s oldest-known home. Its pink facade and dark blue trim are sun baked and chipped. Garth Murphy and his wife Euva Anderson bought and restored the condemned house in 1976, filling it with international antiques, paintings and more. They live there now, but also rent out rooms to craftsmen who mix with the home’s artistic core. Famed surfboard designer Ryan Burch is a current tenant. Just across the railroad tracks from the

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Pannikin Coffee & Tea Derby House used to stand the historic 1888 Santa Fe Railroad Station. But since 1976, the yellow-painted triangular structure has encased Pannikin Coffee & Tea (510 N. Coast Hwy 101). The quirkiest of all are the Encinitas Boathouses (726 and 732 Third St.). This pair of 1920s homes look like two ships docked on the sidewalk. Because, why not?

—Torrey Bailey

JESSICA BRADFORD

I’m fascinated by uncommon religions, and at first glance, the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple (939 Second Ave.), may not seem as strange as, say, snake-handling or UFO cults, but anything with “fellowship” in the name will raise some red flags for me. Plus, it was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920 to spread the “sacred spiritual science” of yoga, which sounds like a classic plot to con Westerners out of their money (but to be fair, what new religion isn’t a buy-your-way-into-heaven grift?). I decided to attend one of their Sunday services to check it out. The interior of the temple is a long room with blue carpet and hard chairs. Despite the Eastern foundations, the membership was overwhelmingly white, fit, casual and had excellent posture. Many women wore yoga pants, and it made me upset that I hadn’t thought to wear my most spiritual pair of sweatpants (I have many). The minister began his sermon with a

“Peace, bro.” guided meditation and controlled breathing exercises. This was briefly very enjoyable because it was the first time I’ve ever been encouraged to enter a sleep-like state in church. However, with each deep exhale, the room filled with Sunday-morning coffee breath. Namanasty, am I right? All in all, it was kind of... normal. I can’t say I experienced any enlightenment, but maybe my pants just weren’t cozy enough.

—Ryan Bradford

DECEMBER 6, 2017· SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 19

Record stores have been an endangered species for most of the 21st century, as digital music and streaming services have significantly cut into retail sales. San Diego has certainly felt its share of that and Encinitas institution Lou’s Records downsized a bit back in 2010, moving inventory from its two buildings into one. In an article written for CityBeat back in 2011, owner Lou Russell is quoted as saying, “We’re just trying to survive.” Six years later, Lou’s Records is indeed surviving, their doors still open and shelves still stocked with new and used vinyl gems. Some of that rebound can be attributed to a rising interest in vinyl—2016 was the best year for record sales in 25 years. But Lou’s is also a beloved institution in San Diego County, having been open since 1980 and consistently carrying an incredible selection of hard-to-

find music. It’s the kind of shop that’s not only fun to browse through, but carries a certain sentimental value. I personally have fond memories of taking long drives along the coast just to browse through its shelves, and the store’s selection remains excellent TORREY BAILEY

Lou’s Records after all this time. Lou’s has gone through ups and downs, but it’s still standing, and still worth the drive north.

20 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

—Jeff Terich

Hidden on the other side of town and well off the coastal strip of Hwy 101, Lux Art Institute (1550 S El Camino Real, luxartinstitute.org) has provided a much-needed shot of culture to the otherwise surf-centric area. The institute has pulled in huge, international artists by offering artist residencies, in which the artist in question will live on site (there is an apartment and studio space in addition to the main gallery space) and produce work while there. It also offers educational workshops, classes and discussions throughout the year both for adults and children. The institute just wrapped up its 10th season (current resident painter Andy Harper has work up through Jan. 13 and will offer a Studio Series discussion on Dec. 14) with more than 50 residencies over that decade. Director Reesey Shaw says the institute’s location has served as an inspiration to artists from all over the world. “We just introduced the tagline “glocal,” which is global artists featured locally,” says Shaw,

CHRISTINA THOMAS

Lux Art Institute who points out artists such as Siro Cugusi (Italy), Francis Upritchard (New Zealand) and Vibha Galhorta (India) as evidence of the focus on global reach. Reesey also adds that some artists even love the area so much that they try to buy a house here. “Ye Honxing from Beijing is looking to buy a house in La Jolla,” says Shaw. “She went back to Beijing and took an immersive English class and she’ll be back in January to work on a project for Apple.”

—Seth Combs

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CULTURE | VOICES

RACHEL MICHELLE FERNANDES

THANK YOU FOR

STARING

Art-topia, Part 1: Queen of the Neighborhood

an Diego, how you continue to perplex and vex me. Sun-drenched town without pity (but with perfect burritos), interconnected by freeways and bookended by nuclear boobs to the north and a ruthlessly guarded frontera to the south. I’ve tried to leave you, but as Al Pacino says in The Godfather Part III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” Rather than fighting the fate of ending up back in my hometown, I’m trying to understand and embrace what makes this place so utterly unique. However, are these same characteristics also what cause San Diego to elude feeling like a real city? Why, despite having a busy social calendar full of arts-related events and a growing circle of artist, curator and activist friends, does everything feel so disconnected, lacking in cohesion and constantly on the verge of collapse? Much has been said of late about the notion of vanishing spaces and soon to be lost underground art scenes. There was the panel discussion on the subject at Bread & Salt this last month which yielded some new connections and expanded the conversation a bit while also perhaps pouring a bit of salt (no pun intended) in some very old wounds. And then there was the recent piece in the Union-Tribune about how San Diego seems to lack the civic support for struggling artists that other cities are attempting to put in place, an argument I have also made a few times in this column. All this talk got me thinking about a book I deeply love called The Death and Life of Great American Cities by urbanist/activist Jane Jacobs. The book—which sharply critiques mid-century urban redevelopment across the country—is from 1961, but Jacobs’ writing is extremely fresh and relevant. It goes into painstaking detail on the importance of sidewalks, the volatility of public parks (that is, how they can change over time) and the real meaning of “neighborhood.” Picking the book back up after about a decade since first reading it, I’ve started realizing that so much of what I take issue with here is mired in urban (or lack there of) planning. How does this strange amalgamation of sprawl we call a city overcome and even embrace its limitations? How can artists here find the connectivity we all so clearly crave and actually come together to problem solve effectively? And if we were to have all our wishes come true, what would this Art-topia look like? Over the next few columns I intend to look at how our vision for a more artistically engaged cityscape might take shape. I decided to start small with a quick but potent look at the mighty little town of Vista and a spunky tattoo artist turned community organizer named Sarah Spinks. “It’s pretty savage over there. I don’t know how else to explain it,” says Spinks with a bit of a cackle.

She’s talking about newly built skateparks a few blocks from downtown Vista that, within the six months of being open, have already been closed (due to a robbery), reopened and promptly trashed. “Back behind the bathrooms is just covered in urine. There’s broken glass everywhere. Cigarette butts, litter, 14-year-olds smoking weed… And I’m not a baby about stuff. I like to have fun too. I tattoo for a living, and it’s not like I haven’t seen my fair share of parties, but I’m like, really? It’s out of hand.” In addition to her work inking up clients, Spinks also serves as Vista’s Public Art Commissioner as well as the queen bee/ringleader of a group called the Backfence Society. The non-profit arts collective once run out of various living rooms and backyards, recently found themselves a clubhouse right off of Main Street where they have already held several meetings and thrown a successful art auction fundraiser that was both adult (beer!) and kid friendly (facepaint!). Spinks’ energy regarding community engagement is infectious and magnetic. “Public art allows people to feel a sense of stewardship over their environment, especially if you allow the community to get involved in the project,” she states confidently. Spinks recently raised funds to put up a mural on the side of La Mexicana market, which is smack dab between the two skateparks. “To get people’s hands in there—they feel pride and ownership of their space so they don’t want to pee all over it. And then they get bummed when they see other people peeing on it and are like, ‘hey! don’t pee on my stuff!’” Spinks makes a great point about stewardship and pride generated by community participation in the arts. The boots on the ground, down and dirty tactics she and the Backfence Society are employing exemplify how much can be accomplished by grassroots efforts and what organic neighborhood improvement looks like. Whether or not the new mural and cleanup efforts will make the skateparks safer is yet to be seen (Backfence is hosting a talk about further involving the skate community in their efforts on Dec. 9th). Still, a closer look at Vista’s steady transformation in recent years to one of the more vibrant arts communities in San Diego (and doing so on a virtually nonexistent budget) is astounding and inspiring. Spinks and the Backfence Society help me believe Art-topia can, and will, be a reality. “I think right now we’re seeing a time in my community where those people, the supportive ones, are being active and proactive in making it the community they want it to be,” Spinks says. “The naysayers, the neg-heads, are getting left in the dust. They’re getting dusted right now and it’s a good thing.”

‘Public art allows people to feel a sense of stewardship over their environment, especially if you allow the community to get involved in the project.’

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Thank You For Staring appears every other week.

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 21

CULTURE | FILM

Precious Cargo

The Disaster Artist

New quartet of films wrestle with humanity, expression in uncertain times by Glenn Heath Jr.

uillermo del Toro’s gothic fairy tales tend to ex- 1950s Coney Island. All the noise is slowly driving amine memory and trauma through the lens of waitress Ginny (Kate Winslet) insane. She lives behind historical periods ripe with fascist threat. The the massive Ferris wheel with her pyromaniac son and Shape of Water deviates from this course slightly by mouth breather husband, Humpty (Jim Belushi). Their staging a subversive, interspecies romance within the discontent is further amplified when his estranged confines of America’s seemingly harmonious post-war daughter, Carolina (Juno Temple), shows up on the run from her gangster husband. boom era circa 1962. Here, Unfolding like an elonpeace is only a tenuous façade gated Tennessee Williamsproviding cover for oppressive inspired throw down, the foreign policies put in motion THE SHAPE film traps sweaty characters by uncaring government offiOF WATER in close confines watching as cials and enforced by brutish Directed by Guillermo del Toro they bark and scream to no foot soldiers serving the miliStarring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spence, avail. Vittorio Storaro’s crisp tary industrial complex. Richard Jenkins and Michael Shannon sunset colors and mid-scene Like its deaf heroine, the Rated R lighting changes infuse these film seems spellbound by eltheatrical moments with a emental visual motifs (light, kind of formal rigor Allen’s fire, water, blood) and the WONDER WHEEL films have lacked recently. magic of Hollywood’s golden Directed by Woody Allen Looking out the window onto era. Both are embodied in Starring Kate Winslet, Justin Timberlake, a sea of neon, Winslet’s longthe captured South American Jim Belushi and Juno Temple ing face becomes a canvas for merman/deity held prisoner Rated R shifting luminescence. at a high-security lab where Otherwise, Wonder Wheel Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins) THE OTHER emphasizes standard Allenworks as a janitor. Immediisms like guilt, fate, jealousy ately, the two voiceless souls SIDE OF HOPE and betrayal, giving his deare drawn to each other, usDirected by Aki Kaurismäki tractors ammunition to say ing sign language and kind Starring Sherwan Haji he’s just making the same gestures to develop trust. Del and Sakari Kuosmanen movie again and again. It Toro stages their interactions Not Rated doesn’t help that Justin Timwith grace and precision, like berlake’s lifeguard/playwright a tap dance routine just waitTHE DISASTER (a one man Greek Chorus) ing for the right dream selacks the painful life experiquence to unfold. ARTIST ence of Winslet’s failed acMichael Shannon’s sadistic, Directed by James Franco tress or Belushi’s slumped loveless government agent— Starring James Franco, powder keg of a man. Merely dubbed “the man of the future” Dave Franco and Seth Rogen a tourist in their familial purwhile buying an overpriced Rated R gatory, this self-proclaimed car—is the ultimate harbinger “dramatist” is an obvious inof doom for the couple. The terloper whose clean escape Shape of Water may too obviously foreshadow how these characters will eventually from the emotional chaos is maddening. If Coney Island’s famed boardwalk becomes an collide violently and ideologically, but del Toro’s pop storytelling remains so effortlessly jazzy and hypnotic open-air prison for the stuck characters of Wonder that it hardly matters. “Life is but the shipwreck of our Wheel, the port town of Le Havre represents potential plans,” muses Richard Jenkins’ effusive narrator. What freedom for refugees in Aki Kaurismäki’s The Other Side of Hope. It’s no secret that the process of seeking beautiful logic to love by. Things aren’t so rosy in Woody Allen’s hothouse asylum seems designed to erode any optimism that has tragic melodrama Wonder Wheel, which is set amid the loud arcade games and steamy hot dog stands of FILM CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

22 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

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CULTURE | FILM

The Other Side of Hope

FILM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 survived the long journey from places like Iraq or Syria. Grueling interviews, court appearances and cramped reception centers make up reality’s welcome mat. Having fled Aleppo after his family was killed, Khaled (Sherwan Haji) arrives in Finland ready to endure these bureaucratic hurdles. At the same time, local shirt salesman Wikström (Sakari Kuosmanen) leaves his wife and changes professions, eventually taking over as proprietor of a failing restaurant. Both characters come to evoke different versions of a new Europe looking to start fresh. With his patented deadpan humor, Kaurismäki empowers blue-collar citizens to act compassionately while skewering government policies that alienate refugees and embolden anti-immigrant rhetoric. The director’s seamless politics and rock ‘n’ roll style have been evolved in the past decade, and The Other Side of Hope feels like a crystallization of sorts. It finds the perfect harmony between off-kilter strangeness and essential acts of humanity. Speaking of strangeness, say hi to The Disaster Artist, James Franco’s gonzo adaptation of Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell’s non-fiction book about the making of Tommy Wiseau’s film, The Room. Since unceremoniously debuting in 2003, The Room has been a staple of midnight movie screenings around the world, garnering its own cult following and experiential rituals. From the opening scene—where Franco’s possessed Wiseau performs an otherworldly reading of A Streetcar Named Desire—it’s clear that the prolific actor/director is going for broke. Sestero (Dave Franco), a burgeoning local actor, finds the performance oddly inspirational. The two men strike up a friendship and move to Los Angeles hoping for success in showbiz. After a series of unsuccessful auditions, Wiseau decides to write and direct a feature film, and the rest is history. While not mandatory, watching The Room beforehand is recommended, if only to prove that the insanity of The Disaster Artist actually happened. Franco

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manages to capture Wiseau’s sheer madness, nonsensical directing style and voracious need for recognition. Along with being endlessly funny, this film is a singular look at the debilitating cycles of rejection, and the ways in which a life-long villain can look like a hero when peacocking in the right light. Film reviews run weekly. Write to glennh@sdcitybeat.com

OPENING Chavela: This documentary covers the life and career of Chavela Vargas, the Costa Rican-born Mexican singer who gained worldwide fame for her interpretation of traditional ranchera music. Opens Friday, Dec. 8, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Just Getting Started: In Ron Shelton’s action-comedy, an F.B.I. agent (Tommy Lee Jones) must protect a corrupt lawyer from being killed by mafia hitmen. The Disaster Artist: James Franco’s insane comedy depicts the wacky and wild story behind The Room, a modern cult classic directed by mad man auteur Tommy Wiseau. The Other Side of Hope: A Syrian refugee travels to Finland hoping to begin anew, but only finds complications and delays in Aki Kaurismäki’s beguiling deadpan comedy. Opens Friday, Dec. 8, at the Ken Cinema. The Shape of Water: Set in 1962 at the height of the Cold War, Guillermo del Toro’s throwback romance follows a deaf woman (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with a merman while working janitorial at a high-security government lab. Window Horses: In this luminous animated film, a young Canadian poet of mixed descent travels to Iran and is forced to confront her family’s past. Features the voice work of Oscar nominees Shohreh Aghdashloo, Ellen Page and Sandra Oh. Opens Friday, Dec. 8, at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park. Wonder Wheel: Woody Allen’s latest hothouse melodrama takes place in 1950s Coney Island where a waitress (Kate Winslet) becomes jealous of her sultry stepdaughter (Juno Temple) after she catches the eye of her lifeguard lover (Justin Timberlake).

For complete movie listings, visit Film at sdcitybeat.com.

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 23

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

MUSIC

hen we think of “protest music,” it’s often in the most aggressive or direct terms. Rage Against the Machine made protest music. The Clash made protest music. Bob Dylan made protest music. Chicago R&B singer Jamila Woods also makes protest music, but her version takes on a different, often subtler sound. Her music is deeply influenced by a gospel tradition, and though she addresses the ills of our society, she does so playfully and with empathy and love. That doesn’t mean it’s not political. “Black Girl Soldier,” one of the first songs Woods wrote for her debut album HEAVN, is both a celebration of Black women and a harsh indictment of America’s treatment of them. In one verse she sings, “Call it black girl magic.” Later on she raises the temperature: “They want us in the kitchen, kill our sons with lynchings/We get loud about it, Oh now we’re the bitches?” For Woods, who is also a poet and a teacher of poetry seminars, it’s second nature for her to highlight societal problems

Jamila Woods that need addressing. But she also says that an artist shouldn’t force a political stance if they’re not ready to do so. “I feel like it’s the responsibility of an artist to tell their artistic truth that feels organic and authentic to them,” she says. “We’re in a now-more-than-ever moment. It’s interesting because people who aren’t as engaged are forced to be engaged because of the climate we’re in. But from my perspective it doesn’t feel different than it did five years ago in a very local sense. “There’s always crises going on,” she continues. “The mayor of Chicago closed 50 public schools a few years ago. There have always been, even when I was growing up, issues that I saw. So I didn’t see the album as an opportunity to talk about politics, but stories and issues that affect me. That’s all you can expect from an artist. I don’t think you can expect them to be political if that’s not where their heart and mind is. But you

24 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

should expect them to tell their truth, whatever it is.” HEAVN, originally released last year digitally and reissued this year to wide distribution by Jagjaguwar, is a soulful, eclectic and vibrant collection of R&B that has a lot to say. It also finds Woods taking on a lot of different, creative methods of delivering her messages. There are numerous references to other songs on the album, which are almost like Easter eggs for music lovers. “VRY BLK” incorporates the motif of schoolyard-chant “Mary Mac” in a statement about police brutality. And the title track nods to The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” over a funky arrangement by The Roots. In a live setting, Woods is prone to working some creative covers into her set as well, almost like she’s playing a live mixtape for her audience. At recent shows some of the songs she’s worked into medleys and setlists include Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name” and Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name.”

“I really love DJs, and I grew up going to a lot of DJ sets, and I think of putting together my live set in a similar way,” Woods says. “It’s a way to kind of bring in something that’s familiar and make it something my own. I like to think of covers that way, and they help the audience get to know me and we can connect with something we both know, even if they’re hearing my music live for the first time.” Looming large in the background of many of Woods’ songs is the city of Chicago, itself. “Emerald Street,” named for a street in the city, is about a childhood friendship when she was growing up, and it also features a reference to another Chicago institution: Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Likewise, “LSD” is an abbreviation for Lake Shore Drive, and includes a guest appearance by Chicago native Chance the Rapper, with whom Woods previously collaborated on the 2015 song “Sunday Candy.” In some ways, Woods says that she’s clearing up misconceptions about Chicago, but she’s also just showing some love to her home. “Growing up in Chicago and coming into doing poetry and spoken word in high school, I was really exposed to Chicago literary tradition, like Gwendolyn Brooks, who talks a lot about writing about what’s under your nose,” she says. “And poetry is kind of like a way of reporting what’s going on in the place you’re from. So I like that idea of poets being flies on the wall. I think it definitely is something you experience living in Chicago, you don’t even have to go looking for it. If you say where you’re from, people say ‘oh, it’s so dangerous there, how do you live?’” Jamila Woods’ music is rife with emotional highs and lows, from its pointed criticisms of authorities in America to its warm celebrations of her home city, Black women and childhood nostalgia. While it’s often specific to her own personal experience, it’s also relatable on a wider scale, which is what she was going for all along. “I was always taught that the more specific you can be in your story, the more universal it becomes,” she says. “And I realized not a lot of people are taught that way. So sometimes people are like, ‘I’m a white man or I’m a Latina woman, so I’m not a Black woman but I like your songs, is that OK?’ Of course that’s OK! I just want to encourage empathy for people that are not like you, but to also be more fully yourself.” Write to jefft@sdcitybeat.com and follow him on Twitter at @1000TimesJeff

@SDCITYBEAT

@SDCityBeat

december 6, 2017 · San Diego CityBeat · 25

BY RYAN BRADFORD

MUSIC

NOTES FROM THE SMOKING PATIO

THE

SPOTLIGHT DARCI FONTENOT

LOCALS ONLY

EBRU YILDIZ

an Tordella and Ed Kornhauser are best known for being fixtures of San Diego’s jazz scene. But the two musicians also started a new project this year to help spread the word about jazz in San Diego, the San Diego Sessions podcast (sandiegosessions.podiant.co). Each episode focuses on a different musician in town, with clips of and discussions about their original music. It’s the second time Tordella’s hosted a podcast in town, though he says there’s already more interest in San Diego Sessions than his previous attempt. “Back in 2011, 2012 I had a podcast called Dirty Thursdays, where local musicians would come into the studio and play three songs and talk about them,” he says. “But back then, not as many people really were listening to podcasts. Lately, the jazz scene has just exploded. It seemed like the right time to start documenting the scene.” So far, guests on San Diego Sessions have included Joshua White, Nathan Hubbard and Robert Dove, and Tordella has a list of others he’d like to have on. He also has some ideas for ways to keep it interesting. “This is mostly spotlighting people’s recorded music,” he says. “We do have plans to do a couple live shows, or a recorded-with-a-live-audience show. But those are still in the works.”

Ed Kornhauser and Ian Tordella The emphasis of the show is original music, which isn’t always the focus of jazz, given its history of interpreting standards. But Tordella says that he and Kornhauser are enthusiastic about highlighting jazz composers, and want to help keep that creativity alive. “The biggest part of this is just encouraging musicians to keep working on original music,” he says. “A lot of jazz musicians like to play music from the ‘50s and ‘60s. And it’s a great tradition—I love that stuff. But I think it’s really important to push original material.”

—Jeff Terich

TAG IT AND BAG IT

track, which is a lot to ask of a listener without transitioning to something new after a few minutes. But this is a texturally If you search for albums tagged “San Diego” on Bandcamp, interesting drone/dark ambient release that’s simultaneously you’ll find some interesting stuff. In this semi-regular report, unsettling and soothing, which is a tricky balance to pull off. It’s also available to purchase for $4.20; just wanted to menwe sift through recent postings and relay the findings. tion that. vectorresearch.bandcamp.com Lost Myself, Absence of Mine: This Backlash the Pyramid, Seven Legged group plays aggressive hardcore that vacilOctopus/Tall Can & Cave Space: I’m allates between old-school punk textures and ready a fan of Tall Can’s music, so I was crustier, metal-leaning sounds. There’s even pleased to see that the local emcee has a a breakdown in first track “Hands of Time” new split release with Seven Legged Ocwhere everyone would know it’s time to start topus. This set of songs is strange and aba circle pit. Plus the chugging riffs in “Hold stract, with a focus on otherworldly atmoNothing Precious” are pretty righteous. abspheres. Still, the blend of odd, alien prosenceofmine.bandcamp.com duction and psychedelic lyrics is a pretty ISO/IEC 14882:1998, Website ツ : The fun one. tectorumtapes.bandcamp.com The Yiffs, The Yiffs: I was hesitant to Visioner by Vector Research thing that always amazes me about vaporwave is how damn much of it there is. You listen to a band named after furry sex, and after listening, I’m even more baffled. This is essentially a could spend months on Bandcamp digging through vapormixture of twee, children’s music and noisy lo-fi pop. It’s wave releases and never hear the same thing twice. Anyhow, kind of difficult to listen to, and there are lyrics about uni- this is mostly 30-second or shorter new age blips that barely corn jizz. This isn’t my thing. I’m not sure if it’s anyone’s register, but it’s pleasant. powerlunch.bandcamp.com thing. But it exists. theyiffs.bandcamp.com Visioner, Vector Research: “Visioner” is one 25-minute

26 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

Metz

here are some bands that scare me on a purely visceral level. For instance, I was in the height of my pop-punk phase when I first heard Murder City Devils. I bought their CD, unheard, based on Amazon’s yet-to-be-perfected recommendation algorithm (it was the late ‘90s and that kind of stuff was still a little shoddy). Imagine my little 14-year-old self—accustomed to bands like Bad Religion and Blink 182— listening to that CD with pure terror on my face. It felt like I just put raw evil into my stereo. I told my dad to return that CD to Amazon, and I didn’t listen to Murder City Devils again for years. Only a handful of bands have had that same effect on me, including Big Black, Converge and, most recently, Metz. Metz is the sound of a pounding headache; their music is assaulting. If that turns you off, then this Canadian three-piece is probably not for you, but if you’re into rocking and not being a wimp, then they’re perfect. Their music is unhinged like Murder City Devils with a dash of Bleach-era Nirvana thrown in. This year, they put out Strange Peace, which may be the least peaceful thing I’ve ever heard (especially album-opener, “A Mess of Wires”). Given the current U.S. political climate, it may seem a little strange that the most uncompromising punk album this year came out of Canada, but as long as someone’s making music this discomforting, everything will be okay. Metz plays Wednesday, Dec. 13 at The Casbah.

—Jeff Terich

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MUSIC

JEFF TERICH

IF I WERE U A music insider’s weekly agenda WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

PLAN A: Alex Lahey, Dude York @ The Casbah. Australian singer/songwriter Alex Lahey has a catchy, pop-punk sensibility that reminds me a bit of Courtney Barnett, just without as much of the sing-speak wordplay. I wouldn’t be shocked if her songs are all over mainstream rock radio soon.

THURSDAY, DEC. 7

PLAN A: Cosmonauts, Wild Wild Wets, DJs Andrew McGranahan, Mike Delgado @ Blonde. Cosmonauts play dreamy music that’s sometimes slow, sometimes upbeat and a little trippy, but always full of great melodies. Also, local psych favorites Wild Wild Wets are playing their first show in a while so don’t miss out on their return to the stage.

FRIDAY, DEC. 8

PLAN A: Pig Destroyer, Necrot, Despise You, Call of the Void @ Brick by Brick. One of the great pleasures of my job is the privilege of being able to use my editorial authority to tell everybody to see a grindcore band called Pig Destroyer. But seriously though, they rip, with a repertoire of 90-second songs that are impeccably written and absurdly intense. PLAN B: Agent Orange, True Rivals, Widows, Sim Williams @ The Casbah. Fall Brewing is holding an anniversary party and, true to character, it’s a punk rock party headlined by old-school California punk legends Agent Orange and featuring local bruisers Widows.

This one is bittersweet, since it’s the final show by Stalins of Sound, but the lineup is solid all around, with a headlining set from local punks Death Eyes and stoner-rock trio Bosswitch in the Atari Lounge. PLAN B: The Grouch, Del the Funky Homosapien, DJ Fresh @ Music Box. Didn’t get tickets to see Run the Jewels? All hope is not lost for those seeking out a great hip-hop show. This tour, dubbed “How The Grouch Stole Christmas,” brings boom-bap to the people this holiday season.

MONDAY, DEC. 11

PLAN A: The Midnight Block, Pretty Vacant @ Soda Bar. Local punks The Midnight Block keep it pretty simple: Power chord riffs, snotty attitude and outsized hooks. It sounds like San Diego in the late ‘90s, which is oddly comforting. BACKUP PLAN: Van Hof, Hawk Auburn, Veronica May @ The Casbah. GIULIA MCGAURAN

SATURDAY, DEC. 9

PLAN A: Jamila Woods, TASHA @ Soda Bar. Read my feature this week on Chicago singer/songwriter Jamila Woods, whose eclectic and soulful sound made her debut album HEAVN one of the most acclaimed albums of 2016. She’s amazing. PLAN B: Slothrust, And the Kids, Jackie Mendoza @ SPACE. Slothrust makes loud, angsty rock music with noisy guitars and lots of attitude. They can also pull off some atmospheric, brooding dirges, so they’ve got a pretty wide range of styles covered. BACKUP PLAN: Adolescents, The Grids, PSO @ The Casbah.

SUNDAY, DEC. 10

PLAN A: Death Eyes, Birth Defects, Stalins of Sound, Bosswitch @ The Casbah.

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Alex Lahey

TUESDAY, DEC. 12

PLAN A: Chris Isaak @ Belly Up Tavern. Chris Isaak is somehow both celebrated and underrated. I think he’s due for a critical reappraisal. In the mean time, it’s common knowledge that “Wicked Game” is one sexy, sexy song. Yes, even sexier than “Kiss from a Rose.” PLAN B: Blessed, Entertainment Law, Exasperation @ Soda Bar. Vancouver’s Blessed is an interesting combination of post-punk and prog. That might not sound like it should work, but the band’s complex instrumentation and dark hooks mesh together brilliantly. BACKUP PLAN: The Wrecks, Brick + Mortar, lovelytheband @ House of Blues Voodoo Room.

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 27

MUSIC

CONCERTS HOT! NEW! FRESH!

Retox (SPACE, 12/21), Heavy Hawaii (SPACE, 12/23), Malaa (Observatory, 12/28), Demetri Martin (Balboa Theatre, 1/26), Passion Pit (Observatory, 2/1), Andres Lopez (HOB, 2/11), Gramatik (Observatory, 2/17), The Coathangers (BUT, 2/27), Palm (SPACE, 3/9), Iced Earth (HOB, 3/9), The Mowgli’s (Casbah, 3/14), Mako (Observatory, 3/23), George Clinton (HOB, 3/28), Electric Six (Casbah, 4/5), Protest the Hero (SOMA, 4/8), The Soft Moon (Casbah, 4/14), Jon Foreman (Balboa Theatre, 4/14), Cradle of Filth (HOB, 4/21), Wild Child (Casbah, 5/5), Tim Allen (Copley Symphony Hall, 5/18), Peter Hook and the Light (HOB, 5/19).

CANCELED Pere Ubu (Soda Bar, 12/8). Chris Isaak (Belly Up Tavern, 12/12 and 12/13).

GET YER TICKETS METZ (Casbah, 12/13), The Album Leaf (Casbah, 12/15), Julien Baker (Irenic, 12/15), Cake (Observatory, 12/16), JayZ (Viejas Arena, 12/19), X (Observatory, 12/22), Ozomatli (Music Box, 12/2223), The English Beat (BUT, 12/22-23), Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (BUT, 12/27), Cherry Glazerr (Observatory, 12/27), Donavon Frankenreiter (BUT, 12/28), Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (BUT, 12/29-30), Third Eye

Blind (Observatory, 1/1), T.S.O.L. (Casbah, 1/4), DJ Quik, Warren G (Observatory, 1/5), Willie Nelson (Harrah’s Resort, 1/6), Milky Chance (HOB, 1/8), K. Flay (Observatory, 1/13), Luna (Casbah, 1/14), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (HOB, 1/15), Kris Kristofferson (BUT, 1/15), Josh Ritter (BUT, 1/16), Big Boi (Observatory, 1/18), Beat Farmers Hootenanny (BUT, 1/20), Wolf Parade (Observatory, 1/23), Reverend Horton Heat (Observatory, 1/28), DVSN (Observatory, 1/29), Fetty Wap (HOB, 2/3), Killswitch Engage, Anthrax (HOB, 2/13), Miranda Lambert (Viejas Arena, 2/15), Mary Timony plays Helium (Casbah, 2/15), Dan Auerbach (Observatory, 2/19), Superchunk (Casbah, 2/21), Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled (Viejas Arena, 2/26), Margo Price (BUT, 3/3), 311 (HOB, 3/5), Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (HOB, 3/31), Los Lonely Boys (BUT, 4/22), Art Garfunkel (Balboa Theatre, 4/27), Baths (BUT, 5/3), Keb’ Mo’ (BUT, 5/6-7), Weird Al Yankovic (Humphreys, 5/12), Franz Ferdinand (Observatory, 5/13), Nada Surf (BUT, 5/14), Madeleine Peyroux (BUT, 5/28), Weezer, The Pixies (Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, 8/11).

DECEMBER WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6 Jonny Lang at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). Dance Gavin Dance at Observatory North Park. Dru Hill at House of Blues. Aaron Gillespie at House of Blues. Sprung Monkey at Music Box.

THURSDAY, DEC. 7 Tim Barry at The Casbah. Prophets of Rage, P.O.D. at Observatory North Park. AJJ at The Irenic. Whitechapel at Brick by Brick.

28 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

FRIDAY, DEC. 8 Pig Destroyer at Brick by Brick. Slow Magic at Observatory North Park. Chris Robinson Brotherhood at House of Blues. Bob Saget at Harrah’s Resort SoCal. Agent Orange at The Casbah.

SATURDAY, DEC. 9 Phoenix at Observatory North Park (sold out). Adolescents at The Casbah. Slothrust at SPACE. Jamila Woods at Soda Bar. Cut Chemist at Music Box.

SUNDAY, DEC. 10 Death Eyes at The Casbah. Agnostic Front at Soda Bar. Hollywood Undead at House of Blues. The Grouch, Del the Funky Homosapien at Observatory North Park. Run the Jewels at Observatory North Park (sold out).

MONDAY, DEC. 11 Pat Travers Band at Belly Up Tavern. Carol Burnett at Copley Symphony Hall.

TUESDAY, DEC. 12 The Slackers at The Casbah. The Wrecks at House of Blues.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13 METZ at The Casbah. Wayne Hancock at Soda Bar. Natalia Jimenez at House of Blues. Night Drive at SPACE. Vista Kicks at House of Blues.

THURSDAY, DEC. 14 DJ Earl at SPACE. Dave Koz at Balboa Theatre. Rezz at Observatory North Park. Skating Polly at Soda Bar. Everlast at Music Box.

FRIDAY, DEC. 15 The Album Leaf at The Casbah. Pato Banton at Belly Up Tavern. Cake at Observatory North Park (sold out). Hundredth, Spotlights at Soda Bar. Julien Baker at The Irenic. Johnny Mathis at Copley Symphony Hall. Buckethead at Music Box. Dani Bell and the Tarantist at SPACE.

SATURDAY, DEC. 16 Moving Units at The Casbah. Cake at Observatory North Park (sold out). Pierce Fulton at Soda Bar.

SUNDAY, DEC. 17 Lorraine Castellanos at The Casbah. ‘Country Christmas’ w/ Sam Outlaw at Belly Up Tavern. Jhene Aiko at Observatory North Park (sold out). Adema at House of Blues. Anuhea at Music Box. The Nervous Wreckords at Soda Bar. Dianne Reeves at Balboa Theatre.

MONDAY, DEC. 18 Jhene Aiko at Observatory North Park. Martin and the Big Nativity Scene at The Casbah.

TUESDAY, DEC. 19 Jay-Z at Viejas Arena. Kehlani at Observatory North Park (sold out). Ottopilot at Belly Up Tavern. Danielle Alexa at Soda Bar. Ariel Levine at The Casbah.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20 Homeshake at Observatory North Park. Ziggy Shuffledust and the Spiders from Mars at The Casbah.

THURSDAY, DEC. 21 Supersuckers at The Casbah. Bone

Thugs-N-Harmony at House of Blues. Fishbone at Belly Up Tavern. Berkley Hart at Music Box. Retox at SPACE.

FRIDAY, DEC. 22 L.A. Witch at The Casbah. Green Jelly at Brick by Brick. X at Observatory North Park. The English Beat at Belly Up Tavern. Ozomatli at Music Box. Vvswiz at SOMA.

SATURDAY, DEC. 23 The Gloomies, Hideout at Soda Bar. The English Beat at Belly Up Tavern. Ozomatli at Music Box. El Vez Merry Mexmas at The Casbah. Lil Pump at SOMA. Heavy Hawaii at SPACE.

SUNDAY, DEC. 24 ‘Exile on Kettner Blvd.’ at The Casbah.

TUESDAY, DEC. 26 Velour at Soda Bar.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27 Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven at Belly Up Tavern. Cherry Glazerr at Observatory North Park. A Shattered Hope at Soda Bar.

THURSDAY, DEC. 28 The Dinettes at The Casbah. Donavon Frankenreiter at Belly Up Tavern. Electric Mud at Soda Bar. Malaa at Observatory North Park.

FRIDAY, DEC. 29 Zhu at Observatory North Park. The Mattson 2 at The Casbah. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). The Steely Damned at Music Box.

@SDCITYBEAT

MUSIC Chris D’Elia at House of Blues. Behind the Wagon at Soda Bar.

SATURDAY, DEC. 30 Mac Sabbath, Dwarves at Brick by Brick. Chicano Batman at Observatory North Park. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at Belly Up Tavern (sold out). The Mattson 2 at The Casbah. E-40 at Music Box. Chris D’Elia at House of Blues. Downspell at Soda Bar.

SUNDAY, DEC. 31 The Creepy Creeps at Soda Bar. The Donkeys at The Casbah. Little Hurricane at Music Box. Big Head Todd and the Monsters at Belly Up Tavern. Alkaline Trio, Rocket from the Crypt at Observatory North Park.

JANUARY MONDAY, JAN. 1 Third Eye Blind at Observatory North Park.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 3 Monarch at The Casbah. A.J. Croce at Belly Up Tavern.

THURSDAY, JAN. 4 T.S.O.L. at The Casbah. Alika at Belly Up Tavern.

FRIDAY, JAN. 5 DJ Quik, Warren G at House of Blues. Alice Unchained at Music Box. Black Sabbitch at Soda Bar.

SATURDAY, JAN. 6

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Willie Nelson at Harrah’s Resort. Sweet and Tender Hooligans at Observatory North Park. Petty – A Tribute to Tom Petty at The Casbah. The Winehouse Experience at Music Box. The Stranger at Belly Up Tavern. Damage Inc. at House of Blues.

SUNDAY, JAN. 7 The Paladins at Belly Up Tavern.

MONDAY, JAN. 8 Milky Chance at House of Blues.

TUESDAY, JAN. 9 Suzanne Santo at The Casbah. David Lindley at Belly Up Tavern. Naivete at Soda Bar.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11 Capitol Steps at Spreckels Theatre.

FRIDAY, JAN. 12 Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at Belly Up Tavern.

SATURDAY, JAN. 13 K. Flay at Observatory North Park. Red Aunts at The Casbah. The Generators at Soda Bar.

rCLUBSr

710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Thu: Live Band Karaoke. Fri: SoulfulofNoise. Sat: Unsteady, Mochilero All Stars. Sun: Karaoke. Tue: The Shakes. American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave.,

Downtown. Thu: Tommy Davidson. Fri: Tommy Davidson. Sat: Tommy Davidson. The Bancroft, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Fri: Bombscare, Rock and Roll is the Devil’s Music, Decompose, Mandala. Sat: Ninja Night Race, The Rough, NSR, Shinjoku Riot. Sun: Pickwick Commons. Mon: Dead Country Gentlemen. Bang Bang, 526 Market St., Downtown. Fri: Jeremy Olander. Sat: Anjunadeep. Beaumont’s, 5665 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Thu: Mark Fisher. Fri: dB Jukebox. Sun: Rosa’s Cantina. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Wed: Jonny Lang, Zane Carney (sold out). Thu: Atomic Groove. Fri: Abbey Road, Chris Torres Band. Sat: Livin’ on a Prayer, Springsteen Experience. Sun: Six String Society. Mon: Pat Travers Band. Blonde, 1808 W. Washington St., Mission Hills. Wed: ‘Dance Klassique’ w/ Joe Pea, Ryan Bauer, Gomez. Thu: Cosmonauts, Wild Wild Wets, DJs Andrew McGranahan, Mike Delgado. Fri: ‘Bump’. Sat: Harvard Bass, Cris Herrera. Mon: ‘Arctic Monkeys Tribute’. Tue: ‘T is 4 Techno’. Boar Cross’n, 390 Grand Ave., Carlsbad. Thu: Matt Sunstedt Band. Fri: ‘Club Musae’. Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., Bay Park. Thu: Whitechapel, Carnifex, Rings of Saturn, Entheos, So This is Suffering. Fri: Pig Destroyer, Necrot, Despise You, Call of the Void. Sat: ‘Shred for Dime Tribute’. Mon: Graham Bonnet Band, Lil Sumptin Sumptin Band, Cage, Pet Shark. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: Alex Lahey, Dude York. Thu: Tim Barry, Roger Harvey, A.W. Fri: Agent Orange, True Rivals, Widows, Sim Williams. Sat: Adolescents, The Kids, PSO.

Sun: Death Eyes, Birth Defects, Stalins of Sound, Bosswitch. Mon: Van Hof, Hawk Auburn, Veronica May. Tue: The Slackers, San Diego City Soul Club DJs, The Amalgamated. Crush, 437 S. Hwy 101, Ste. 112, Solana Beach. Wed: Jeff Moore. Thu: Larry White. Fri: Black Market III. Sat: Tony Suraci. Sun: Ben Powell. Mon: Ben Powell. Tue: Steve Orr. Dizzy’s, 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Downtown. Thu: The Mesa College Big Band. Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Fri: DJ Amen. Sat: DJ Bamboozle. Henry’s Pub, 618 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Ride The Mule. Thu: DJ Yodah. Fri: ‘Good Times’. Sat: ‘Rock Star Saturday’. Sun: Karaoke. Tue: Taco-Billy. Hooley’s, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. Fri: Now Hear This. Sat: BAT. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Wed: Dru Hill, Jesse Gawlik, Mason Betsch. Thu: Jerry ‘Hot Rod’ Demink. Fri: Chris Robinson Brotherhood. Sat: High Valley, Brown & Gray. Sun: Hollywood Undead, Butcher Babies, Demrick, Adam Doleac. Tue: The Wrecks, Brick + Mortar, lovelytheband. Humphreys Backstage, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Wed: Cadillac Wreckers. Thu: Groove Squad. Fri: Detroit Underground, Tradewinds. Sat: Rising Star, The Reflectors. Sun: Irieality, Missy Andersen. Mon: Sue Palmer. Tue: Mercedes Moore. The Irenic, 3090 Polk Ave., North Park. Thu: AJJ, Toys That Kill. Fri: Sales, Chaos Chaos.

MUSIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 29

MUSIC MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 Java Joe’s, 2611 Congress St., Old Town. Thu: Veronica May. Fri: ’26-Year Anniversary Party’. Sat: Billy Galewood. Kava Lounge, 2812 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Wed: ‘Chills N Thrills’. Thu: Nico Luminous, The Brothers Burns. Fri: ‘Purps N Turqs’ w/ Marques Wyatt. Sat: ‘Tech Support’ w/ Memo Rex, Donald Thump, Mr. Smith. Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave., Kensington. Sat: The Creepshow, Hard Fall Hearts, Sam Hell. Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Sun: Fashion Jackson, Cyrus Gengras, Caroline Corn. Mc P’s Irish Pub, 1107 Orange Ave., Coronado. Wed: BAT. Thu: BAT. Fri: Alternatives. Sat: Manic Bros. Sun: Ron’s Garage. Tue: Harmony Road. Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: ‘All American Boy’ w/ Steve Grand. Thu: ‘All American Boy’ w/ Steve Grand. Fri: Janice and Nathan. Sat: Joanna Baduria. Sun: ‘Holiday Magic Fundraiser’. Mon: Joely Fisher. Tue: Ty Herndon. The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., Hillcrest. Thu: The Anomaly, Warsaw, Slow Caves, Crew D’etat Brass Band. Fri: Plane Without A Pilot, Mosaics, Little Empire, The Rough. Sat: ‘Club Sabbat’. Sun: ‘The Playground’ w/ DJ Heather Hardcore. Tue: Heir Gloom, Skyterra, Jara. Mr. Peabody’s, 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Thu: Wild Heart. Fri: Flipside Burners. Sat: Shinebox. Sun: Tony Ortega Jazz Jam. Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. Wed: Sprung Monkey, Hazmatt. Thu: Chevere All Stars, Ukeim. Fri: ‘Runnin’

ADAM BETTCHER

Down a Dream: A Celebration of the Music of Tom Petty’. Sat: Cut Chemist, DJ Artistic, DJ Ratty. Sun: The Grouch, Del the Funky Homosapien, DJ Fresh. The Office, 3936 30th St., North Park. Wed: ‘One, Two, Three’ w/ DJ EdRoc. Thu: ‘No Limits’ w/ DJ Myson King. Fri: ‘After Hours’ w/ DJs Kid Wonder, Adam Salter. Sat: ‘Strictly Business’ w/ DJs Kanye Asada, Gabe Vega. Sun: ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ w/ Tribe of Kings. Tue: ‘Trapped’. OMNIA Nightclub, 454 Sixth Ave., Downtown. Thu: Lil Jon. Fri: The Him. Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Wed: Gilbert Castellanos. Sat: Montalban Quintet. Sun: Sue Palmer. Parq, 615 Broadway, Downtown. Fri: Karma. Plaza Bar at Westgate Hotel, 1055 2nd Ave., Downtown. Fri: Gilbert Castellanos. Sat: Allison Adams Tucker. Mon: Julio de la Huerta. The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest. Fri: ‘Function’. Sat: ‘Sabados en Fuego’. Sun: ‘Noche Romantica’. Mon: ‘Manic Monday’ w/ DJ the Disco Punk. Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., Hillcrest. Wed: DJs John Joseph, Kinky Loops. Thu: DJs Kinky Loops, Myxzliplix. Fri: DJs Drew G, Moody Rudy. Sat: DJs Casey Alva, Taj, Vaughn Avakian. Sun: DJs Hektik, Casey Alva. Riviera Supper Club, 7777 University Ave., La Mesa. Wed: ‘Boss Jazz’ w/ Jason Hanna. Thu: Swing Thing. Fri: Ron and the Reapers. Sat: Black Market III. Rosie O’Gradys, 3402 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Sat: Flipside Burners. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Wed: Ben Sollee and the Ken-

30 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · DECEMBER 6, 2017

Jay Z plays Viejas Arena Dec. 19 tucky Native, Emily Scott Robinson. Thu: SUSTO, Esme Patterson. Sat: Jamila Woods, TASHA. Sun: Agnostic Front, Take Offense, Endzweck, Heat, Tarpit. Mon: The Midnight Block, Pretty Vacant. Tue: Blessed, Entertainment Law, Exasperation. SOMA, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway. Fri: Fashion Jackson, Love Glow, Sights and Sages, The Galactic Booking, Track, PVKE, The Televisuals. Sat: Danny Duncan. SPACE, 3519 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Fri: Slothrust, And the Kids, Jackie Mendoza. Sun: ‘Pocari Sweat’ w/ DJs Rees Withrow, Umenos, No No. Spin, 2028 Hancock St., Midtown. Fri:

Layton Giordani. Sat: ‘Arctic Oasis’ w/ Ooah + Boreta, YokoO. Sun: San Holo.

Blue Largo. Fri: The Siers Brothers. Sat: Detroit Underground. Tue: Jukebox Kings.

Sycamore Den, 3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Thu: Dude Cervantes, Jesse Lee Hofbauer. Sun: Adeumazel.

Tower Bar, 4757 University Ave., City Heights. Fri: The Kegels, All Beat Up, Punchcard, Let’s Face It.

Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights. Fri: WVRM, Funeral Chic, Orphic Eye, JasonXVoorhees. Sat: Toy Drive w/ DJs Skalex, Tradskin, Dr. Bones. Sun: Pants Karaoke.

Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., South Park. Thu: ‘Blush’ w/ Micelves. Sat: ‘Booty Bassment’ w/ DJs Dimitri, Rob. Tue: ‘Videodrome’.

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Downtown. Wed: Bari Cruz Duo. Thu: Keep Your Soul. Fri: Keep Your Soul, Scott Porter. Sat: Keep Your Soul, Scott Porter. Sun: Keep Your Soul, Scott Porter. Tue: Kenny and Deez. Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St., Bay Park. Thu:

Winstons, 1921 Bacon St., Ocean Beach. Wed: Psydecar. Thu: Bum Lucky, Space Bus, Arny Palmer and Strangely Strange, Nick Gray, DJ OMZ. Fri: The Routine, AJ Froman. Sat: Dirtwire, Headphone Activist, Abouav. Sun: Karaoke. Mon: Electric Waste Band. Tue: ‘Underground Lounge’ w/ Like Lexington, Big Flavor.

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LAST WORDS | ADVICE

AMY ALKON

ADVICE

GODDESS

Destiny’s Problem Child

I saw this gorgeous girl at the coffeehouse at the mall two months ago. It was totally love at first sight. I keep hanging out there hoping to see her again. Am I nuts, or does love at first sight really exist? —Smitten It’s so special when a man tells a woman he’s deeply in love with her—except when her response is “Excuse me, but have we met?” Love at first sight sounds so romantic. There are those couples who claim they had it—causing mass nausea at dinner parties when they look into each other’s eyes and announce, “From the moment we saw each other, we just KNEW.” Uh, or did they? A Swiss psychology grad student, Florian Zsok, ran some experiments to see what love at first sight is actually made of. Zsok and his colleagues were looking for the three elements that psychologist Robert

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Sternberg theorizes interact to produce love: intimacy, commitment and passion (made up of physical arousal, desire, excitement and longing). They surveyed participants online and in a lab setting—asking them how they felt about people in photographs— and in three dating events, getting their reactions to people they’d just met. Of the 396 participants, love at first sight “was indicated 49 times by 32 different individuals.” (That rare and wonderful lightning struck twice or maybe three times for some.) And here’s a shocker: “None of the instances of (love at first sight) was reciprocal.” Not surprisingly, none of the participants who said they’d felt love at first sight had the elements of intimacy or commitment as part of their experience. The one element they did have? Passion—in the form of “physical attraction.” Basically, the researchers empirically confirmed what some of us intuitively understand: “Love at first sight” is just a classier way of expressing the sentiment yelled from passing cars: “Hey, miniskirt! You’re late for your visit to My Penis Avenue!”

As for couples who insist they had love at first sight, the researchers believe they could be retrospectively repainting their first meeting to make their relationship feel more special. The reality: “We just knew” is “we just got lucky” (stated in a way that makes frustrated single people long to commit hara-kiri with the nearest shrimp fork). Reminding yourself that you just have the plain old hots for this girl is probably the best way for you to do what needs to be done—shift to some other activity (Masturbate! Play video games!) when the impulse strikes to stake out Coffeeland. Getting stuck on a total stranger this way probably makes it impossible to behave normally in their presence—or want to look closely enough to see who they really are. As alluring a concept as love at first sight is, in practice it tends to work out best with inanimate objects—a painting or an antique chair (something that doesn’t make big wet smacking sounds when it chews or take so long to text you back that you buy it a burial plot).

My family enjoys your weekly column, but we’re wondering why you can’t give advice without launching into evolutionary explanations. We aren’t always instinct-driven animals like elk or migrating salmon. —Evolutionary Overkill

stream. There’s no existential fretting, “What does it all mean? What will I do with myself after grad school? Am I a bad fish if I sometimes long to put grain alcohol in the sippy cup of that brat screaming on the beach?” Meanwhile, back in humanland, research in cognitive neuroscience (by Michael Gazzaniga, among others) and in social science finds that we humans aren’t the highly rational independent thinkers we like to believe we are. In fact, as evolutionary psychologists Leda Cosmides and John Tooby put it, “our modern skulls house a stone age mind”—adapted to solve hunter-gatherer mating and survival problems. This 10-million-year-old psychology, still driving us right now, is often a mismatch with our modern environment. Take our sugar lust, for example. This made sense in an ancestral environment, where eating a couple of berries might have helped prevent malnutrition. Today, however, we can drive to Costco and have some guy load a pallet of doughnuts into our SUV while we burn .0003 of a calorie watching him. Understanding the origins of our motivation is not “evolutionary overkill” but our best shot for possibly controlling our behavior—or at least forgiving ourselves when we fail miserably. As my First Amendment lawyer friend Ken White (@Popehat) tweeted about S’mores Girl Scout Cookies: “I thought they were kind of meh at first but by the third box I ate in the garage they were growing on me.”

It isn’t so bad being a salmon. Salmon just wake up one day and swim like mad up-

Charles (Darwin) In Charge

DECEMBER 6, 2017 · SAN DIEGO CITYBEAT · 31